Replaceable inner tube

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments a PEG feeding device includes a tube sized to bridge a channel between a stomach and an outer abdominal surface; an internal bolster, and an external bolster. Optionally the bolsters are connected to the tube. The internal bolster may be sized to resist movement out of the stomach through the stoma. The external bolster may be sized to resist movement into the stoma from the outer abdominal surface. The external bolster may include an underside which extends from the tube in a radial direction between the external bolster and the outer abdominal surface. The underside of the outer bolster may contact the outer abdominal surface at a distance from an external opening of the stoma. Optionally the distance between the internal bolster and the external bolster is adjustable. Optionally an angle between one or both of the bolsters and the tube is adjustable.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/065,807 filed on Jun. 24, 2018, which is a National Phase of PCTPatent Application Nos. PCT/IL2015/051252 having International FilingDate of Dec. 23, 2015 and PCT/IL2016/051377 having International FilingDate of Dec. 23, 2016, which claim the benefit of priority under 35 USC§ 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 62/095,986 filedon Dec. 23, 2014 and 62/356,482 filed on Jun. 29, 2016.

The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by referenceas if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to portdevices and procedures and, more particularly, but not exclusively, todevices and procedures for percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy (PEG).

U.S. Pat. No. 7,582,072 discloses “A device for creating a channelbetween the stomach lumen and the abdominal surface of a patient. Thedevice includes a tube and a first bolster. The tube has a proximal end,a distal end, and a wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outerabdominal surface, and each end having an opening therein. The firstbolster is attached to the distal end of the tube and the tube isadapted to slidably receive a feeding device having a shaft, wherein atleast a portion of the outer diameter of the shaft of the feeding deviceis substantially the same size as that of the inner wall of the tube.The first bolster is adapted to sealingly engage with the patient so asto minimize or avoid fluid leakage about the tube. The present inventionis also directed to a method of using an artificial stoma.”

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2003/0163119 discloses “Amedical catheter assembly including a removable inner sleeve. In oneembodiment, the assembly is a low profile percutaneous endoscopicgastrostomy (PEG) device and comprises a body, a clamp, a feeding tube,a cap and an inner sleeve assembly. The body includes a base portion anda sleeve portion, the base portion being dimensioned to engage the skinof a patient and having a transverse bore, the sleeve portion extendingupwardly from the base portion and having a longitudinal slot alignedwith the transverse bore and a transverse slot intersecting thelongitudinal bore. The clamp, which is slidably mounted on the baseportion and across the transverse slot of the sleeve, comprises a platehaving a transverse opening. The transverse opening has a wide regionand a narrow region, the two regions being alternately alignable withthe longitudinal bore to open and to close, respectively, the feedingtube. The feeding tube has a distal end adapted to be anchored to theinside of a patient and a proximal end inserted up through the baseportion and the sleeve portion, including the transverse opening of theclamp situated within the sleeve, and then inverted over the top edge ofthe sleeve. The cap is then mounted on top of the sleeve so as to securethe inverted end of the catheter to the exterior of the sleeve. The capis provided with an opening through which access to the catheter may begained. An inner sleeve, sized to engage the inside surface of thefeeding tube, is removably inserted through the cap and the feedingtube, the inner sleeve having a proximal end to which a tubular fittingis secured. Food and/or medications are dispensed to the patient throughthe fitting and the inner sleeve and, in this manner, prevent cloggingof the feeding tube.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of a first embodiments of the invention, there isprovided a PEG feeding device for conducting fluid through a stoma to astomach comprising: a tube sized to bridge a channel between a stomachand an outer abdominal surface; an internal bolster, sized to resistmovement out of the stomach through the stoma and connected to the tube;an external bolster, sized to resist movement into the stoma andconnected to the tube; wherein the external bolster includes at leastone element including an underside which extends from the tube in aradial direction and then towards the external bolster contacting theouter abdominal surface at a distance from an external opening of thestoma.

According to a second and optionally according to the first embodimentsof the invention, the distance is at least 5 mm.

According to a third and optionally according to any of the first to thesecond embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the externalbolster is elastically deflectable in an axial direction.

In some embodiments, said reading comprises reading using an intrabodyimager includes viewing said marker at said location.

According to a fourth and optionally according to any of the first tothe third embodiments of the invention, the external bolster includes aplurality of portions which are individually elastically deflectable.

According to a fifth and optionally according to the fourth embodimentsof the invention, the portions are at least partially circumferentiallyseparated.

In some embodiments, said graduations comprise color-coded graduations.

According to a sixth and optionally according to any of the first to thefifth embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the innerbolster is elastic with respect to a long axis of the tube.

In some embodiments, said marker comprises at least one separatingsection between adjacent graduations.

According to a seventh and optionally according to any of the first tothe sixth embodiments of the invention, the internal bolster includes aplurality of parts connected by at least one connector.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a method forinserting a PEG device into a stomach lumen, comprising:

determining a thickness of tissue between the stomach and skin to aprecision of 4 mm or better;

selecting a permanent PEG tube having a bridging length corresponding tosaid determined thickness;

inserting said selected permanent PEG tube to bridge between said skinand said stomach; and

compensating for a mismatch between said bridging length and saidthickness using at least one elastic bolster positioned against the skinand/or against the stomach wall.

According to an eighth and optionally according to any of the first tothe seventh embodiments of the invention, the internal bolster includescircumferential separations.

In some embodiments of the invention, said compensating comprisesattaching an elastic outer bolster to said tube.

According to a ninth and optionally according to any of the first to theeighth embodiments of the invention, the PEG feeding device comprises aninner tube sized to fit into the tube and to bridge a channel between astomach and a patient outer abdominal surface.

In some embodiments of the invention, when said compensating, said atleast one elastic bolster applies a pressure on said tissue lower than atissue damaging pressure.

According to a tenth and optionally according to the ninth embodimentsof the invention, the inner tube is permanently attached to a foodreservoir.

In some embodiments of the invention, said determining comprisesdetermining by visualizing markings of a measuring device that bridgessaid thickness, from within said stomach lumen.

According to an eleventh and optionally according to any of the ninth totenth embodiments of the invention, the PEG feeding device comprises arigid connector connecting the inner tube and the external bolster.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a PEG feedingdevice comprising:

a tube; wherein said tube is shaped and sized to be positioned between astomach lumen and the outer surface of the skin;

an internal bolster and an external bolster, at least one of which beingelastic, connected to said tube, wherein said elasticity allowsdeformation of one or both of said bolster so as to vary the distancebetween the two bolsters by at least 4 mm, while not applying atissue-damaging pressure to said lumen or said skin.

According to a twelfth and optionally according to any of the ninth toeleventh embodiments of the invention, the PEG feeding device accordingcomprises a sealing element occluding a channel between the tube and theinner tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said tube is connected to saidexternal bolster by an interference mechanism configured to prevent bothrelative rotation and release of said external bolster from said tube.

According to a thirteenth and optionally according to any of the ninthto twelfth embodiments of the invention, the inner tube includes atleast one cleaning portion sized to contact inner walls of the tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said interference mechanismcomprises matching geometries between said external bolster and saidtube.

According to a fourteenth and optionally according to the thirteenthembodiments of the invention, the cleaning portion elastically appliesradial pressure to the inner walls of the tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said tube includes a geometricshape which guides a mounting of said bolster over said shape in anorientation matching an orientation of the interference mechanism.

According to a fifteenth and optionally according to any of the first tothe fourteenth embodiments of the invention, the tube connects to one ofthe internal bolster and the external bolster by a rigid connector.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a kit formeasuring tissue thickness, comprising:

(a) a cannula having a proximal size adapted to remain outside the bodyand a distal side adapted to pierce tissue and enter the body;

(b) a marked shaft sized to fit in said cannula and fixedly abut againsta portion of said cannula which remains outside the body, when the shaftis moved axially through the cannula, wherein said shaft includes aplurality of markings which extend past said distal end of said cannulawhen said shaft fixedly abuts said portion of said cannula.

According to a sixteenth and optionally according to any of the first tothe fifteenth embodiments of the invention, a height of the device abovea patient outer abdominal surface is less than 5 cm.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a PEG feedingdevice for conducting fluid through a stoma to a stomach comprising:

-   -   a tube sized to bridge a channel between the stomach and an        outer abdominal surface;    -   an internal bolster, sized to resist movement out of the stomach        through the stoma and connected to said tube; and    -   an external bolster, sized to resist movement into the stoma and        connected to said tube;

wherein said external bolster includes at least one elastic elementpositioned between a connection to said tube and an interface contactingsaid outer abdominal surface and wherein a shortest path on said elasticelement from said connection to said interface is at least 20% longerthan a straight line joining said connection to said interface.

According to a seventeenth and optionally according to any of the firstto the sixteenth embodiments of the invention, an axial height of theexternal bolster is less than 5 cm.

In some embodiments of the invention, said internal bolster furthercomprises a central shaft and at least 3 spaced apart petals connectedto said central shaft via a connecting end of said petals.

According to a eighteenth and optionally according to any of the firstto the seventeenth embodiments of the invention, the external bolster isconnected to the outer tube by a rigid connector.

In some embodiments of the invention, said width of said connecting endis at least 5% larger than the cross-sectional geometry of an outer endof said petals.

According to an nineteenth and optionally according to any of the firstto the eighteenth embodiments of the invention, the PEG furthercomprises: a variable angle joint joining the external bolster to thetube and allowing the external bolster to tilt with respect the tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said central shaft has a hardnessof at least 40 shore A.

According to an aspect of a twentieth embodiment of the invention, thereis provided a PEG feeding device for conducting fluid through a stoma toa stomach comprising: a tube sized to bridge a channel between a stomachand an outer abdominal surface; a bolster sized to resist movement intothe stoma; and a rigid connector comprising a lumen and connecting thetube to the bolster; wherein a portion of the rigid connector isdisposed within a first end of the tube.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a PEG feedingdevice for conducting fluid through a stoma to a stomach comprising:

-   -   a tube sized to bridge a channel between the stomach and an        outer abdominal surface;    -   an internal bolster, sized to resist movement out of the stomach        through the stoma and connected to said tube; and    -   an external bolster, sized to resist movement into the stoma and        connected to said tube;

wherein said external bolster includes at least one elastic elementpositioned between a connection to said tube and an interface contactingsaid outer abdominal surface and wherein said elastic element is shapedand sized to transmit a force between said interface and said connectionby means of an axial stress on the elastic element.

According to a twenty first and optionally according to the twentiethembodiments of the invention, the portion of the rigid connectorcomprises a fitted friction fit with the tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said interface contacts said outerabdominal surface at a radial distance from an external opening of saidstoma.

According to a twenty second and optionally according to any of thefirst to the twenty first embodiments of the invention, the first end ofthe tube comprises thickened walls.

In some embodiments of the invention, said interface includes anunderside of said elastic element.

According to a twenty third and optionally according to any of the firstto the twenty second embodiments of the invention, the tube comprises aninternal supporting structure and within a sheath.

In some embodiments of the invention, said distance is at least 5 mm.

According to a twenty forth and optionally according to the twenty thirdembodiments of the invention, the internal structure includes a mesh.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of saidexternal bolster is elastically deflectable in an axial direction.

According to a twenty fifth and optionally according to any of the firstto the twenty fourth embodiments of the invention, the internalstructure includes elongated elements.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of saidexternal bolster is elastically deflectable in an axial direction.

According to a twenty sixth and optionally according to any of the firstto the twenty fifth embodiments of the invention, the PEG feeding devicecomprises a second bolster sized to resist movement into the stoma;wherein the second bolster is connected to a second end of the tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said portions are at leastpartially circumferentially separated.

According to a twenty seventh and optionally according to any of thefirst to the twenty sixth embodiments of the invention, the rigidconnector connects to a rigid part of the bolster.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of said innerbolster is elastic with respect to a long axis of said tube.

According to a twenty eighth and optionally according to any of thefirst to the twenty seventh embodiments of the invention, the rigidconnector connects to the bolster by an interference connection.

In some embodiments of the invention, said internal bolster includes aplurality of parts connected by at least one connector.

According to an aspect of a twenty ninth and optionally according to anyof the first to the twenty eighth embodiments of the invention, there isprovided a PEG feeding device for conducting fluid through a stoma to astomach comprising: a tube sized to bridge a channel between a stomachand an outer abdominal surface; an internal bolster, sized to resistmovement out of the stomach through the stoma and connected to the tubecomprising: a plurality of parts held together by one or more connector;and an external bolster, sized to resist movement into the stoma andconnected to the tube; wherein the plurality of parts overlap axially byless than 20%.

In some embodiments of the invention, said internal bolster includescircumferential separations.

According to a thirtieth and optionally according to any of the first tothe twenty ninth embodiments of the invention, the connector includes atorque connection.

In some embodiments of the invention, the PEG feeding device comprisingan inner tube sized to fit into said tube and to bridge a channelbetween a stomach and a patient outer abdominal surface.

According to an aspect of a thirty first embodiment of the invention,there is provided a method of installing a PEG feeding devicecomprising: selecting an approximately sized tube; installing the tubein a stoma connecting a stomach and an outer abdominal surface of apatient where an installed tube is held by an inner bolster disposedwithin the stomach and an external bolster at an abdominal outersurface; compensating for a discrepancy between the tube length and alength of the stoma.

In some embodiments of the invention, the PEG feeding device comprisinga rigid connector connecting said inner tube and said external bolster.

According to a thirty second and optionally according to the thirtyfirst embodiments of the invention, the compensating comprises:adjusting a minimum separation between the inner bolster and theexternal bolster.

In some embodiments, said inner tube is part of an inner tube sectionwhich is connected to said external bolster by a snap fit lockingmechanism.

According to a thirty third and optionally according to the thirtysecond embodiments of the invention, the adjusting comprises changing aposition of attachment of the bolster with respect to the tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said inner tube portion comprisesan external tube connector, wherein said external tube connector isconfigured to connect said inner tube portion to an external feedingtube with a greater resistance to a pull-out force than said snap fitlocking mechanism.

According to a thirty fourth and optionally according to any of thethirty second to the thirty third embodiments of the invention, theadjusting comprises: selecting an axial extent of a compressible elementbetween an inner bolster and a lumen inner wall.

In some embodiments, said tube connects to one of said internal bolsterand said external bolster by a rigid connector.

According to a thirty fifth and optionally according to any of thethirty second to the thirty fourth embodiments of the invention, theadjusting comprises: axially elastically deflecting a portion of theexternal bolster.

In some embodiments of the invention, said tube comprises a flaredsection positioned at least partially within said stomach.

According to a thirty sixth and optionally according to any of thethirty second to the thirty fifth embodiments of the invention, theadjusting comprises: axially elastically deflecting a portion of theinner bolster.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a PEG feedingdevice for conducting fluid through a stoma to a stomach comprising:

-   -   a tube sized to bridge a channel between the stomach and an        outer abdominal surface;    -   a bolster sized to resist movement into the stoma; and    -   a rigid connector comprising a lumen and connecting said tube to        said bolster;

wherein a portion of said rigid connector is disposed within a first endof said tube.

According to a thirty seventh and optionally according to any of thethirty second to the thirty sixth embodiments of the invention, theadjusting is self adjusting of the PEG device.

In some embodiments of the invention, said portion of said rigidconnector comprises a fitted friction fit with said tube.

According to an aspect of a thirty eight and optionally according to anyof the thirty first to the thirty seventh embodiments of the invention,there is provided a method of use of a PEG feeding device: installing aPEG feeding device comprising an inner and outer tube the outer tubeforming a channel between a lumen and a patient outer abdominal surface,the inner tube forming a channel between a lumen and a patient outerabdominal surface and within the outer tube; and replacing the innertube periodically.

In some embodiments of the invention, said tube comprises an internalsupporting structure and within a sheath.

According to a thirty ninth and optionally according to any of thethirty first to the thirty eighth embodiments of the invention, thereplacing comprises cleaning said outer tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said internal structure includes amesh.

According to a fortieth and optionally according to the thirty eighthembodiments of the invention, the method further comprises: pivoting anangle between at least one of the internal bolster and the externalbolster with respect to the tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said internal structure includeselongated elements.

According to a forty first and optionally according to the fortiethembodiments of the invention, pivoting compensates for a differencebetween an axis of the tube and a normal from at least one of an innersurface of a stomach and an outer surface of an abdomen at the locationof a stoma.

In some embodiments of the invention, the PEG feeding device comprisinga second bolster sized to resist movement into the stoma;

wherein said second bolster is connected to a second end of said tube.

According to an aspect of a forty second and optionally according to anyof the first to the thirtieth embodiments of the invention, there isprovided a PEG feeding device for conducting fluid through a stoma to astomach comprising: a tube sized to bridge a channel between a stomachand an outer abdominal surface; an external bolster, sized to resistmovement into the stoma and connected to the tube; a variable anglejoint joining the external bolster to the tube and allowing the externalbolster to tilt with respect the tube.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, A PEG feedingdevice for conducting fluid through a stoma to a stomach comprising:

-   -   a tube sized to bridge a channel between the stomach and an        outer abdominal surface;    -   an internal bolster, sized to resist movement out of the stomach        through the stoma and connected to said tube comprising:        -   a plurality of parts held together by one or more connector;            and    -   an external bolster, sized to resist movement into the stoma and        connected to said tube;

wherein said plurality of parts overlap axially by less than 20%.

According to a forty third and optionally according to the forty secondembodiments of the invention, the PEG further comprises: an adjuster forsetting a resistance of the external bolster to tilt with respect to anaxis of the tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said connector includes a torqueconnection.

According to a forty fourth and optionally according to any of thefortieth to the forty third embodiments of the invention, the PEGfurther comprises: at least one element including an underside whichextends from the tube in a radial direction and then towards theexternal bolster contacting the outer abdominal surface at a distancefrom an external opening of the stoma.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a method ofinstalling a PEG feeding device comprising:

selecting an approximately sized tube;

installing said tube in a stoma connecting a stomach and an outerabdominal surface of a patient where an installed tube is held by aninner bolster disposed within said stomach and an external bolster at anabdominal outer surface; and

compensating for a discrepancy between said tube length and a length ofsaid stoma.

According to a forty fifth and optionally according to any of thefortieth to the forty fourth embodiments of the invention, the PEGfurther comprises: an internal bolster, sized to resist movement out ofthe stomach through the stoma and connected to the tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said compensating comprises:

-   -   adjusting a minimum separation between said inner bolster and        said external bolster.

According to a forty sixth and optionally according to any of thefortieth to the forty fifth embodiments of the invention, the PEGfurther comprises: an elastic biasing element biasing an angle of thetilting of the external bolster to a preferred angle.

In some embodiments, said adjusting comprises changing a position ofattachment of said bolster with respect to said tube.

According to an aspect of a forty seventh and optionally according toany of the first to thirtieth and the fortieth to the forty sixthembodiments, there is provided a PEG device for conducting materialthrough a stoma to or from a lumen comprising: a tube sized to bridge achannel between a lumen and an outer surface of a patient; an internalbolster, sized to resist movement out of the lumen through the stoma andconnected to the tube; an external bolster, sized to resist movementinto the stoma and connected to the tube; wherein the external bolsterincludes at least one element including an underside which extends fromthe tube in a radial direction and then towards the external bolstercontacting the outer surface at a distance from an external opening ofthe stoma.

In some embodiments, said adjusting comprises:

-   -   selecting an axial extent of a compressible element between an        inner bolster and a lumen inner wall.

In some embodiments of the invention, said adjusting comprises:

-   -   axially elastically deflecting a portion of said external        bolster.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a PEG feedingdevice for conducting fluid through a stoma to a stomach comprising:

-   -   a tube sized to bridge a channel between a stomach and an outer        abdominal surface;    -   an external bolster, sized to resist movement into the stoma and        connected to said tube; and

a variable angle joint joining said external bolster to said tube andallowing said external bolster to tilt with respect said tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, the PEG further comprising:

an adjuster for setting a resistance of said external bolster to tiltwith respect to an axis of said tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, the PEG further comprising:

-   -   at least one element including an underside which extends from        said tube in a radial direction and then towards said external        bolster contacting said outer abdominal surface at a distance        from an external opening of said stoma.

In some embodiments of the invention, the PEG of claim 49, furthercomprising:

-   -   an internal bolster, sized to resist movement out of the stomach        through the stoma and connected to said tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, the PEG further comprising:

-   -   an elastic biasing element biasing an angle of said tilting of        said external bolster to a preferred angle.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a PEG device forforming a channel through a stoma to a lumen comprising:

-   -   a tube sized to bridge a channel between the lumen and an outer        abdominal surface;    -   an internal bolster, sized to resist movement out of the stomach        through the stoma and connected to said tube; and    -   an external bolster, sized to resist movement into the stoma and        connected to said tube;

wherein said external bolster includes at least one element including anunderside which extends from said tube in a radial direction and thentowards said external bolster contacting said outer abdominal surface ata distance from an external opening of said stoma.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a method fordraining the content of a stomach through a tube fixed between a stomachlumen and an abdominal opening, comprising:

inserting a replaceable inner tube with an expandable filter into saidtube; and

draining food from said stomach lumen through said inner tube and saidabdominal opening.

In some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprising:

monitoring the amount of said drained food after said draining.

In some embodiments of the invention, the method of claim 55, furthercomprising:

grinding the content of the stomach and/or the food within saidreplaceable inner tube during and/or before said draining.

There is provided in accordance with some embodiments, a device fordraining the content of a stomach, comprising:

-   -   a tube, sized to bridge a channel between a stomach lumen and an        outer abdominal surface;    -   an inner replaceable tube, sized to be placed within said tube,        further comprising an expandable filter at the portion of said        inner tube placed within said stomach lumen;    -   an inner body bolster and/or an outer body bolster configured to        fix the position of said tube.

In some embodiments of the invention, said inner tube further comprisesa grinder placed within the lumen of said inner tube, wherein saidgrinder is configured to reduce food particle size within said innertube and/or within said stomach lumen.

In some embodiments of the invention, said inner tube further comprisesa motor connector for connecting an outside motor to said grinder.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplarymethods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, thepatent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativediscussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, thedescription taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled inthe art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the figures generally, like components are indicated with likenumerals, however, it should be noted that in some figures similarelements to those indicated in previous figures are provided with a newleading figure number.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic cross section of an ostomy devicewhich provides a channel between an internal patient lumen and an outerabdominal surface of the patient, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 1B is a simplified schematic cross section of an ostomy device witha flexible tube, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a simplified schematic sectional view of ostomy deviceincluding an inner tube, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a simplified schematic side view of a ostomy device body andan inner tube portion, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of feeding, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a simplified schematic of a patient with an installed ostomydevice, and a feeding device, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 4B is a simplified schematic of a patient with an installed ostomydevice, where a feeding device is connected to ostomy device, accordingto some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a simplified schematic of a patient with an installed ostomydevice, and a feeding device, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 5B is a simplified schematic of a patient with an installed ostomydevice, where a connector forms an ostomy device inner tube, accordingto some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic of a feeding device where a connectoris directly attached to a food reservoir, according to some embodiments,of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic of a feeding device where a connector,which includes a tube, is directly attached to a food reservoir,according to some embodiments, of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a tip of aportion of an ostomy device including a sealing element between an innertube and an outer tube, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a portion ofan ostomy device during insertion of an inner tube which includes anexpanding sealing element, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 9B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a portion ofan ostomy device and an expanded sealing element, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of a portion of an ostomy deviceincluding a sealing element, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic of a portion of an ostomy deviceincluding a sealing element and an angled outer tube edge in contactwith the sealing element, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 12A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an inner tubebefore insertion into an outer tube which has accumulated residue,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an inner tubeduring insertion into an outer tube which has accumulated residue,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a portion ofan ostomy device where an inner tube is disposed within an outer tubewhich has accumulated residue, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 13B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an inner tubeduring removal from an outer tube which has accumulated residue,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of insertion ofan inner tube including multiple cleaning elements into an outer tube,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an inner tubeincluding multiple cleaning elements after exiting an outer tube,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15A is a simplified schematic cross section of a bolster coupled toan inner tube by an elastic element, according to some embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 15B is a simplified schematic cross section of an inner tubereleased from an elastic element, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 16 is a simplified section view of an external bolster fitting overan inner tube portion, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a connectionbetween an inner tube portion and an external bolster, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 18A is a simplified schematic isometric view of an ostomy deviceincluding a plug-socket connection between an inner tube portion and anrigid connector, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 18B is a simplified schematic section view of an ostomy deviceincluding a plug-socket connection between an inner tube portion and arigid connector, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 18C is a simplified schematic section view of an ostomy deviceinner tube portion including a plug connector, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a simplified schematic of an outer tube includinganti-rotation elements, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 20A is a simplified schematic of an external bolster including ahollow, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 20B is a simplified schematic of an inner tube portion headincluding a protrusion, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a simplified schematic side view of an inner tube portionhead including more than one hollow, according to some embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 22 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a portion ofan inner bolster connected to an outer tube (not illustrated) byinterlocking connecting elements, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 23 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an ostomydevice, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a simplified schematic of a tube including a mesh andconnectors, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a simplified schematic of a wire-reinforced tube andconnectors, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of tube includingthickened tube wall portions, and connectors, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 27 is a simplified schematic cross section of an ostomy device withan adjustable tube length within the patient body, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 28A is a simplified schematic section view of a portion of anostomy device, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 28B-28D are simplified schematic cross sectional views ofexemplary interlocking connection between external bolster andconnector, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 29A is a simplified schematic cross section of an ostomy devicewith adjustable axial length, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 29B is a simplified schematic cross section of an ostomy devicewith adjustable axial length within swollen tissue, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 30 is a simplified schematic section view of a portion of an ostomydevice where a protrusion of the device above a patient outer abdominalsurface is adjustable, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 31A is a simplified schematic section view of an external bolsterbending to fit an abdominal outer surface, according to some embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 31B is a simplified schematic section view of a device where anexternal bolster is bending to fit the device to a patient anatomy,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 32A is a simplified schematic section view of a portion of anelastic internal bolster, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 32B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an innerbolster, a lumen inner wall and a compressible component therebetween,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 33 is a simplified schematic isometric view of an external bolsterincluding a plurality of notches 3360, according to some embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 34 is a flow chart of a method of ostomy device removal, accordingto some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 35A is a simplified schematic side view of an internal bolsterincluding a plurality of petals, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 35B is a simplified schematic side view of a dismantled internalbolster including a plurality of petals, according to some embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 36 is a simplified section view of a portion of an internal bolsterincluding a tool channel for a dismantling tool, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 37A is a simplified schematic side view of an inner tube portionwhere inner tube is non-cylindrical, according to some embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 37B illustrates an inner tube portion including two channels, afeeding channel and a tool channel, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 38A is a simplified schematic section view of an internal bolsterwith a screw dismantling mechanism, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 38B is a simplified schematic side view of a screw dismantlingmechanism tool 3868, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 39 is a simplified schematic of a portion of a bolster and anexpanding dismantling tool, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 40A is a simplified schematic side view of a disassembly tool,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 40B is a simplified schematic side view of a disassembly toolinserted into an inner bolster, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 41A is a simplified schematic side view of an inner bolster whereeach petal of the inner bolster is attached to an elongated element,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 41B illustrates removal of disassembled inner bolster portionsthrough an outer tube by pulling, force P on an elongated element 4188,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 42 is a flow chart of a method of ostomy device installation,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 43 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an outer tubebeing pulled into a stoma by a pushing device 4380, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 44A is a simplified schematic side view of a pushing device,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 44B is a simplified schematic side view of a pushing devicethreaded with an elongated element, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 45A is a simplified schematic side view of a pushing deviceincluding a tapered end, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 45B is a simplified schematic side view of a pushing device withinan outer tube attached to an inner bolster where a portion of thepushing device protrudes through the outer tube, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 46A is a simplified schematic side view of a pushing device,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 46B is a simplified schematic side view of a pushing device withinan outer tube attached to an internal bolster where a portion of thepushing device protrudes through the outer tube, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 47 is a simplified schematic side view of an ostomy device where anexternal bolster is being attached to an outer tube, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 48 is a simplified schematic section view of device installationincluding insertion of an outer tube into a stoma, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 49A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an innerbolster attached to an outer tube being inserted through an esophagus,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 49B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an innerbolster attached to an outer tube where the outer tube is installedwithin a stoma, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 49C is a simplified schematic section view of device installationincluding insertion of an outer tube into a stoma according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 49D is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a innerbolster connected to an outer tube being inserted through an esophagus,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 50A-50B are flow charts of a method of use of an ostomy device,according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 51 is a photograph illustrating a device with a pivoting externalbolster inserted at an angle through simulated tissue in accordance withsome embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 52 is a simplified perspective view of a device with a pivotingexternal bolster inserted at an angle to an external body surface inaccordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 53 is a cross sectional view of a device with a pivoting externalbolster inserted at an angle to an external body surface in accordancewith some embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 54 is a block diagram of an adjustable bolster 5100 in accordancewith an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 55A is a flow chart illustration of a measuring the depth from abase site to a location inside a living organism in accordance with someembodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 55B is a flow chart of a process for measuring the depth from abase site on the outer surface of the skin to a location inside astomach in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 56A-56C are perspective views of measurement sheaths and inserterneedles in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 57A-57B are schematic views of elastic distancers in accordancewith some embodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 58A-58B are perspective views of a pushing device in accordancewith some embodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 59A-59C are perspective views of a disassembly tool 5968 andsocket in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of an anti rotational connector for anouter bolster to a tube in accordance with some embodiments of thecurrent invention.

FIGS. 61A and 61B are schematic views of an ostomy device with an outertube having a flared internal section in accordance with someembodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 62A-62C are schematic views of an internal bolster in accordancewith some embodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 63A-63D are schematic views of an inner tube portion of an ostomydevice, in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 64A-64E are schematic views of an external bolster of an ostomydevice in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 65A-65B are schematic views of a high-profile ostomy device inaccordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 65C-65E are schematic views of an ostomy device with an elongatedinner tube in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 65F is a schematic illustration of an ostomy device with anelongated inner tube extending into the small intestine in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 65G is a schematic illustration of an ostomy device with anelongated inner tube ending positioned above the stomach content inaccordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 66A is a flow chart of a process for draining the content of astomach in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 66B is a block diagram of a device for draining the content of thestomach, in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 66C is a schematic illustration of a device for draining thecontent of a stomach inside the body in accordance with some embodimentsof the current invention; and

FIGS. 67A-67D are schematic views of an inner tube and a grinder of adevice for draining the content of a stomach in accordance with someembodiments of the current invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to ostomydevices and procedures and, more particularly, but not exclusively, todevices and procedures for percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy.

Overview

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an port deviceincluding an external and/or an internal bolster connected to a tubeforming a channel through a stoma into a lumen (e.g. stomach) where oneor both bolsters do not contact tissue and/or opening/s of the stoma.

For example, in some embodiments, an external bolster connected to thetube holds the tube by contacting a patient outer abdominal surface atan axial distance (e.g. distance from a long axis of the tube) from anopening of the stoma and/or from an opening of the tube. The opening ofthe stoma and/or the opening of the tube may optionally project from theabdominal outer surface and/or be on the abdominal outer surface. Insome embodiments, the external bolster contacts the patient outerabdominal surface only at a separation from the opening of the stoma onthe patient outer abdominal surface at a distance from the stoma ofbetween 2-30 mm, between 5-25 mm, or between 5-15 mm, or smaller, orlarger, or intermediate distances. In some embodiments, the externalbolster mainly contacts the outer abdominal surface at a distance, whereover 80%, or over 90%, or over 95%, or lower, or higher, or intermediatepercentages, of a surface area of the external bolster contacting theouter abdominal surface is at a distance of between 2-30 mm, between5-25 mm, or between 5-15 mm, or smaller, or larger, or intermediatedistances.

Contact of the external bolster at a distance from the opening of thestoma prevents irritation and/or inflammation at the stoma opening frompressure applied to and/or movement of the external bolster.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ostomy device is a PEG feeding device,where fluid food and/or liquid are supplied directly to the stomachthrough the channel.

In some embodiments, an underside of the external bolster (e.g. facingthe inner bolster e.g. a portion facing the tube), includes a shape thatextends away from a long axis of the tube and towards the inner bolster(for example, an underside the external bolster is concave e.g. domeshaped).

In some embodiments, an underside of the external bolster includes oneor more concave portion (e.g. hollow 210 h, FIG. 2A). In someembodiments, an underside of the internal bolster includes one or moreconcave portion (e.g. hollow 3208 h, FIG. 32A).

In some embodiments, the external bolster includes portions separated byspaces. In some embodiments, the external bolster contacts the outerabdominal surface at discrete points. In some embodiments, spacesbetween contacting points of the external bolster allow aeration and/orventing and/or facilitating cleaning of skin under the external bolster.

Optionally, the device includes an (optionally replaceable) inner tube(e.g. as described herein) disposed within the tube, where flow ofmaterial between the lumen and outside of the patient is through theinner tube. Optionally, the device includes soft and/or flexible innerbolster, for example, in some embodiments, the inner bolster isremovable from the lumen through the stoma. For example, the innerbolster may be removed by pulling on the tube (directly or indirectly).

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an ostomydevice with an adjustable axial length where, for example, a smallestseparation between inner and external bolsters is adjustable. In someembodiments, the smallest separation between inner and external bolstersis adjustable by 5-30 mm.

In some embodiments, a device is installed within a patient by initiallyinserting a tube into a stoma where the tube is approximately sized forthe stoma, for example, the tube is longer than the stoma. In someembodiments, a smallest separation between bolsters connected one oneach end of the tube is adjusted, for example, fitting the deviceincluding an approximately sized tube to patient anatomy.

In some embodiments, adjustment is by moving a position of attachment ofa bolster with respect to the tube, e.g. a position of an externalbolster with respect to a connector connecting the external bolster tothe tube.

In some embodiments, position of bolster/s is adjusted when the deviceis installed within a patient. In some embodiments, position ofbolster/s is adjusted periodically for example, in response to a changein patient anatomy e.g. weight change and/or swelling.

In some embodiments, adjustment is through elasticity of one or more ofthe internal bolster, external bolster and tube, an axial length of thedevice thereby automatically adjusting to a range of lengths of stoma.In some embodiments, the tube includes a portion which is axiallyelastic. In some embodiments, one or more bolster includes a deflectableportion. Optionally the deflectable portion may be elastic. In someembodiments, one or more part elastically moves, changing a minimumseparation between the bolsters. In some embodiments, a minimumseparation between changes, fitting the device to the stoma, forexample, during changes in stoma length, e.g. before, during and afterpost operative swelling of tissue around a stoma and/or patient weightgain and/or patient tissue change in fat percentage.

In some embodiments, a bolster (e.g. inner and/or external bolster)includes one or more portion which elastically bends and/or flexes. Insome embodiments, the portion/s bend at pressures which arephysiologically acceptable to patient tissue. For example, in someembodiments, a portion of a bolster in contact with patient tissuedeflects before a pressure which causes damage and/or pain and/ordiscomfort to the patient tissue. In some embodiments, deflection of oneor more elastic portion of a bolster changes a minimum axial separationbetween the bolsters. For example, in some embodiments, an elasticportion of a bolster extends towards the other bolster, a minimumseparation between the bolsters defined from the elastic portion,deflection of the elastic portion changing the minimum separationbetween bolsters.

In some embodiments, the external bolster (and/or inner bolster)includes separate protrusions (e.g. petals) which, in some embodiments,elastically bend and/or flex and/or deflect independently (e.g. todifferent extents), for example, fitting the device to non-planarpatient anatomy.

In some embodiments, the internal bolster includes inlets betweenseparate parts (e.g. petals), for example allowing bending and/orflexing of the parts without overlapping of the parts.

In some embodiments, axial elasticity and/or flexibility of the internalbolster, where, for example, portion/s of the internal bolster bendunder pressure (e.g. from the lumen walls), for example, bending towardsan inner shaft of the internal bolster. In some embodiments, deflectionof portion/s of the inner bolster prevents high pressure (e.g.associated with irritation of the lumen walls and/or the inner bolsterbecoming embedded in the lumen walls).

In an exemplary embodiment, the internal bumper includes portions (e.g.deflectable portions) with stiffness of 40-70 shore A, or 40-80 shore A,or 50-70 shore A, or lower, or higher, or intermediate stiffness.

In an exemplary embodiment, the internal bumper includes portions (e.g.deflectable portions) with stiffness of 40-70 shore A or 40-80 shore A,or 50-70 shore A, or lower, or higher, or intermediate stiffness.

In some embodiments, a force required to fully deflect deflectableportions of the external bumper is less than 10N, or less than 5N, or1-10N.

In some embodiments, during delivery of the internal bolster through theesophagus to the stomach portion/s of the inner bolster bend and/orfold, optionally elastically, for example, reducing an extent of theinner bolster. In some embodiments, deflectable internal bolsterportions have a maximum deflection, where, for example, in someembodiments, the internal bolster includes one or more blocking partwhich prevents bending beyond a maximum deflection.

In some embodiments, a spacer prevents the internal bolster fromirritating the stomach wall, and/or for example, a compressiblecomponent (e.g. inflatable balloon, sponge, spring) placed (e.g. duringinstallation of the ostomy device) between the internal bolster and thestomach.

In some embodiments, a spacer positioned between the inner bolster andlumen wall is adjusted from outside the body, for example, by pullingand/or releasing a component attached to the compressible component.

Optionally, in some embodiments, one or component deflects and/orextends non-elastically (e.g. plastically), for example, fitting thedevice to an expanding stoma.

Optionally, the device with adjustable axial length includes an(optionally replaceable) inner tube (e.g. as described herein) disposedwithin the tube, where flow of material between the lumen and outside ofthe patient is through the inner tube.

Optionally, the device with adjustable axial length includes soft and/orflexible inner bolster, for example, in some embodiments, the innerbolster is removable from the lumen through the stoma by pulling on thetube (directly or indirectly).

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an ostomydevice including an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube forminga channel to a patient lumen. In some embodiments, the inner tube isremovable for replacement and/or cleaning. In some embodiments, cleaningextends a life time of the ostomy device within the patient.

In some embodiments, the inner tube extends into the stomach. In someembodiments, the inner tube extends into the stomach and through thestomach to the jejunum, e.g. for feeding directly into the jejunum, theinner tube, being 1-30 cm long or 5-25 cm long, or shorter, or longer,or intermediate lengths or ranges.

In some embodiments, a seal (e.g. between the inner and outer tube)prevents flow within the outer tube around the inner tube.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an inner tubewhich includes one or more protrusion where, for example, duringinsertion and/or removal of the inner tube from the outer tube, theprotrusion/s contact the outer tube, for example, cleaning the outertube.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the device including an inner tubeincludes soft and/or flexible inner bolster, for example, in someembodiments, the inner bolster is removable from the lumen through thestoma by pulling on the tube (directly or indirectly).

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an ostomydevice including an internal bolster including a plurality of separatecoupled parts. In some embodiments, the ostomy device is removed bydecoupling the separate parts of the inner bolster to dismantle theinner bolster.

In some embodiments, the inner bolster includes a plurality ofoptionally flexible parts (herein termed petals) connected by optionallyrigid connectors. In some embodiments, flexible petals are held betweenrigid connectors.

In an exemplary embodiment the petals substantially do not overlap. Forexample, the petals may substantially not overlap axially (overlap beingwhere petals contact each other in a planes approximately perpendicularto the long axis of the tube). In some embodiments, petals at mostoverlap axially with adjacent (e.g. radially adjacent) petals.

In some embodiments, residue (e.g. stomach contents) coating the innerbolster (e.g. coating contact areas between petals) prevents and/orslows disassembly of inner bolster petals. In some embodiments, theinner bolster includes one or more notch and/or inlet separatingportions of the inner bolster e.g. between petals. For example, reducingan area of contact between petals potentially reduces friction ofmovement of petals away from each other.

In some embodiments, the internal bolster includes a plurality of petalswhich are held by one or more connectors (e.g. in some embodiments,petals are held between two or more connectors) where disconnecting theconnectors decouples the petals.

In some embodiments, the device includes a channel between an innerbolster dismantling mechanism and another portion of the device (e.g.the outer bolster). In some embodiments, the inner and/or outer tubeforms the channel to the inner bolster. For example, in someembodiments, a user dismantles the inner bolster by accessing theinternal bolster through the dismantling mechanism channel, from outsidethe patient (e.g. an endoscopic procedure is not required to dismantlethe inner bolster).

In some embodiments, the inner bolster is dismantled by breaking atleast a portion of a connector, for example, by applying pressure to theportion of the connector for example, applying pressure e.g. with ashaft. In some embodiments, the inner bolster is dismantled by movingand/or deflecting at least a portion of a connector, for example, movingan interlocking element, for example, by applying pressure e.g. with ashaft.

In some embodiments, pressure is applied by a non-designated tool, forexample a hypodermic needle shaft or syringe.

In some embodiments, petals are coupled by a rotation attachmentmechanism (e.g. screw mechanism, e.g. a mechanism with an openrotational configuration and a closed rotational configuration). In someembodiments, dismantling of the inner bolster includes rotating an innerbolster connector (e.g. unscrewing) to release petals of the innerbolster.

Optionally, the device with an inner bolster including a plurality ofconnected portions includes an (optionally replaceable) inner tube (e.g.as described herein) disposed within the tube, where flow of materialbetween the lumen and outside of the patient is through the inner tube.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an ostomydevice where a flexible tube is connected to one or both bolsters byrigid connector/s. In some embodiments, a flexible tube is connected toa bolster including flexible part/s by connection (e.g. snap lock) oftwo rigid connector elements, one connected to the outer tube and thesecond to the flexible bolster.

In some embodiments, the tube has hardness of at least 40 shore A, or50-80 shore A, or lower, or higher, or intermediate hardness. In someembodiments, the tube has a maximum radius of curvature of 1-25 mm, or5-15 mm, or approximately 10 mm.

In some embodiments, a rigid connector is partially disposed within theflexible tube, for example, elasticity of the tube and/or a fittedfriction fit of the connector holding the connector and tube together.In some embodiments, one or more connector is attached to the tube byinjection molding the tube and connector as one part (optionally, wherethe connector includes different material to the tube). In someembodiments, one or more connector is attached to the tube by adhesion(e.g. gluing, heat treatment). In some embodiments, the tube is notfolded around a connector.

In some embodiments, connection between the connector/s and the outertube is non-smooth. For example, a diameter of the connector within thetube is less than a diameter of the tube, for example there is a stepbetween the outer tube and the connector of 0.05 mm-1 mm, or 0.05 mm-0.5mm, or lower, or higher, or intermediate values or ranges. In someembodiments, the inner tube prevents issues that would otherwise beassociated with a non-smooth topography between the outer tube and theconnector within the outer tube (e.g. build up of residue in the step).

Optionally, the device with adjustable axial length includes an(optionally replaceable) inner tube (e.g. as described herein) disposedwithin the flexible tube, where flow of material between the lumen andoutside of the patient is through the inner tube.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the inner tube is flexible. In someembodiments, the inner tube has a maximum radius of curvature of 1-50mm, or 5-25 mm, or approximately 20 mm.

In some embodiments, connection is to the flexible tube, which isnon-smooth (e.g. stepped), while the flow of material to the lumen isthrough a smooth walled channel (e.g. the inner tube).

In some embodiments, the flexible inner tube (e.g. attached to rigidconnector/s) includes a mesh of rigid material (e.g. within a sealingsheath) where free space within the mesh maintains tube flexibility.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an ostomydevice where a flexible tube is connected to one or both bolsters by avariable angle joint. For example, the variable joint may compensate fordifferences between the axis of the tube to the surface of the tissueand/or for changes and/or for movement of the surface. For example theangle of the joint may vary over a range of between 0 to 5 degreesand/or between 5 to 15 degrees and/or between 15 to 40 degrees and/orbetween 40 to 60 degrees. Optionally the bolster may float freely overthe joint. Alternatively or additional the bolster may be biased to aparticular angle (for example with the axis of bolster parallel and/orconcentric to the axis of the tube and/or may be biased to one side forexample to increase pressure on that side and/or decrease pressure on anopposite side).

In some embodiments, the tube may have a single unambiguous axis. Forexample the tube may be straight and/or have substantially the form of aright circular cylinder and/or have a-circular cross-section. In someembodiments, the tube may be curved and/or non-cylindrical and/orflexible and/or have a non-circular cross-section and/or may not have asingle unambiguous axis. For the sake of the this disclosure, where thetube does not have a clearly defined unambiguous single longitudinalaxis, the longitudinal axis of the tube will refer to a line joining thecenter of gravity of the cross section of the tube where it intersectsthe outer surface of the tissue (e.g. the outer surface of the abdomenof a patient) to the center of gravity of the cross section of the tubewhere it intersects the inner surface of the tissue (e.g. the innersurface of the stomach of the patient). An outer axis of the tube willrefer to an axes perpendicular to the cross section of the tube andpassing through the center of gravity of the cross section along a planewhere the tube meets the outer surface of the tissue. An inner axis ofthe tube will refer to an axes perpendicular to the cross section of thetube and passing through the center of gravity of the cross sectionalong a plane where the tube meets the outer surface of the tissue.

In some embodiments, the ostomy device is additionally or alternativelyused to collect material (e.g. waste) from a lumen. For example, in someembodiments, the ostomy device is used to collect and/or releasematerial from the stomach, optionally in addition to providing food tothe stomach. In some embodiments, the ostomy device is used to reducepressure within the stomach (e.g. by allowing material e.g. gas and/orfood to escape through the device).

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to measuring thedepth from a base site to a location inside a living organism. Forexample the device may be used to measure a distance between two ends ofa stoma and/or a port and/or a passageway into living tissue and/or alumen of living organism. Optionally a marker (optionally includinggraduations) is inserted into the organism to the measurement location.For example, the marker may indicate a distance to a guide element.Optionally the guide element is placed at a base site. The marker may bepositioned by viewing and/or sensing in the lumen. For example,placement of the marker may be without stressing the lumen tissue. Thedistance from the location in the organism to the base site isoptionally measured by reading a graduation of the marker at thelocation inside the organism. For example, the method may be used tomeasure the length of a stoma and/or a port from an opening outside thelumen to an opening on the inner wall of the lumen.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to elasticdistancers are sized and shaped to provide even pressure between abolster and tissue of a subject over significant axial and/or rotationaldisplacements. Optionally, an elastic element may have a form thatdistributes stresses evenly along the element. For example, the distancemay have the shape of a petal. The distancer is optionally curved. Forexample the distance may be concave towards a tissue interface and/orconcave away from the tissue interface.

Embodiments of this device may be included in various access ports tolumens or tissue. For example, a device may include a jejunal tube, forexample in the form of a long inner tube passing through a stoma and/ora outer PEG access tube. The current invention may serve as an accessport to another lumen, for example a thoracic cavity and/or a kidneyand/or bladder.

An aspect of some embodiments relates to an internal bolster with atleast a partially rigid core. In some embodiments, the internal bolstercomprises a central shaft, optionally a rigid central shaft. In someembodiments, the central shaft hardness is at least 40 shore A, forexample 50 shore A, 60 shore A, 70 shore A or 90 shore A, orintermediate, smaller or greater hardness. Alternatively, the centralshaft is completely rigid or having a hardness level of 90 shore A andlarger. In some embodiments, the internal bolster comprises at least twopetals, connected to the central shaft. In some embodiments, at leastsome of the petals have a gradual increase in width or incross-sectional geometry between the outer end of the petals in thecircumference of the internal bolster and the inner end of the petalsfacing the central shaft. In some embodiments, the cross sectionalgeometry of inner end of the petals is at least 5% larger than the outerend of the petals, for example 15% larger, 20% larger or 50% larger, orintermediate, smaller or greater percentages. In some embodiments, theincrease in width towards the inner end of the petals leads, for exampleto a gradual increase in rigidity. In some embodiments, the inner end ofthe petals is at least 10% more rigid compared to the outer end of thepetals, for example 15% more rigid, 20% more rigid, 50% more rigid or100% more rigid, or intermediate, smaller or greater percentages.Alternatively, the petals comprise a rigid section in the connectionbetween the petals and the central rigid shaft, which is at least 10%more rigid than the rest of the petal, for example 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%,100% or intermediate or smaller or greater percentages of increasedrigidity.

In some embodiments, having an internal bolster with a central rigidshaft and/or at least some petals with an inner rigid section allows forexample, to resist bending forces applied on the internal bolster, forexample when the internal bolster passes through the esophagus. In someembodiments, the less rigid outer end of the petals allow the petals tobend and twist, while the more rigid inner end of the petals maintainthe petals structure and the connection of the petals to the internalbolster during such travel. In some embodiments, the central rigid shaftis a flared shaft, with a wider diameter in the shaft ending placedwithin the stomach.

In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, additional rigidity isprovided by geometrical changes and/or change sin processing of thematerial (e.g., polymer). Optionally or alternatively, rigidity and/orhardness are varied by mixing the material (e.g., polymer) with anadditive (e.g., fibers) or by using a different material (e.g., adifferent polymer).

An aspect of some embodiments relates to a flared outer tube of anostomy device. In some embodiments, the flared section of the outer tubeis at least partially positioned within the stomach. In someembodiments, the flared section positioned at least partially within thebody allows, for example to minimize the possibility of the tube to bepulled outside from the body by having a tube ending inside the stomachlumen that is wider than the stoma. In some embodiments, the diameter ofthe tube ending within the stomach is at least 4% larger than stomadiameter, for example 5%, 20%, 35% larger or intermediate or greaterpercentages.

A potential advantage of a flared shaft is avoiding sudden changes intube diameter caused by the attachment of the inner bolster, whichsudden changes might irritate tissue, for example, during tuberetraction.

An aspect of some embodiments relates to connecting an ostomy device anda body with a stronger connection force compared to the connection of anexternal tube to the ostomy device. In some embodiments, the connectionbetween an inner tube portion and an outer tube portion of an ostomydevice is weaker than the connection between an external feeding tubeand the inner tube portion. A potential advantage of having a weakerconnection between the inner tube portion and an outer tube portion is,for example, ensuring that the ostomy device remains within the stomachwhile allowing detachment of a tube connected to the ostomy device, forexample an external feeding tube. In some embodiments, the connectionbetween the ostomy device and the body is at least 30% stronger, forexample 75% stronger, 100% stronger, 2000% stronger, or intermediate orgreater percentages, than the connection between the ostomy device andan external tube connected to the ostomy device. In some embodiments,the connection between the ostomy device and the body resists axialforces, for example axially forces pulling the ostomy device outsidefrom the stomach. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, theconnection between the device and the body is exemplified by the innerbolster, e.g., its width not deforming under disconnect forces to allowthe inner bolster to be pulled out of the stomach. In some exemplaryembodiments of the invention, the connection is exemplified by theconnection between the external bolster and the tube, such thatretracting the feeding tube attached to the external bolster cannotdisconnect the external bolster with a resulting possible ingress of thetube into the body.

An aspect of some embodiments relates to an ostomy device attached tothe stomach and reaching into the small intestine. In some embodiments,an elongated inner tube is connected on one end to the inner portion ofthe ostomy device, and the other end of the elongated inner tube isplaced within the small intestine, for example within the jejunum or inthe duodenum. Alternatively, the inner tube portion comprises anelongated inner tube, for example to allow positioning of the inner tubeend at the jejunum or in the duodenum. In some embodiments, the innertube end is positioned, optionally using imaging techniques, in thejejunum or in the duodenum to allow, for example directly feeding intothe small intestine. In some embodiments, the length of the elongatedinner tube (e.g., the part designated to be inside of the inner bolster)is at least 5 cm, for example, 10, 20, 30 cm or shorter, intermediate orgreater lengths. Optionally, when the inner tube is removed, the outertube (e.g., the ostomy device) does not extend significantly (e.g.,extends less than, for example, 2 cm or 1 cm) inwards of the stomachwall.

An aspect of some embodiments relates to an ostomy device with anelongated inner tube portion positioned above the stomach content level,for example for stomach decompression. In some embodiments, the innertube end is positioned within the stomach above the stomach contentlevel, for example to allow gas to exit through the inner tube portion.Optionally, the tube is pre-bent or a stylet is provided to bend theinner tube. Optionally, the inner tube is rotationally locked to theostomy device so that rotation of such stylet (or insertion of a benttube) can have a known reach direction in the stomach (e.g., above orbelow the ostomy device, as desired).

An aspect of some embodiments relates to draining the content of astomach through a replaceable inner tube placed within a fixed ostomydevice. In some embodiments, the inner tube comprises an expandablefilter at the tube ending placed within the stomach. In someembodiments, the filter comprises openings or gaps that prevent foodparticles larger than, for example, 90% of the inner tube diameter toenter into the tube from the stomach lumen and potentially clog the tubeand/or other parts of a food removal system.

In some embodiments, the ostomy device further comprises a grinderplaced at least partly within the ostomy device. In some embodiments,the grinder is placed at least partially within an inner tube of theostomy device. In some embodiments the grinder grinds the food that isfound within the ostomy device. Optionally, the grinder grinds the foodfound within the inner tube. Alternatively or additionally, the grinderextends at least partially out from the tube into the stomach lumen, forexample to grind food found within the stomach lumen.

In some embodiments, a motor is connected to the external part of theostomy device. Optionally, the motor is connected to the grinder, forexample to rotate the grinder. In some embodiments, rotating the grinderwithin the inner tube propels food out from the stomach.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents and/or methods set forth in the following description and/orillustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention iscapable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out invarious ways.

Ostomy Device

FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic cross section of an ostomy device 100which provides a channel 102 between an internal patient lumen 104 andan outer abdominal surface of the patient 106, according to someembodiments of the invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, ostomy device 100 is a device for insertionduring PEG, and lumen 104 is a patient stomach. In some embodiments,channel 102 passes through stomach wall 104 a and abdominal wall 104 b.

In some embodiments, tube 112 is at least partially disposed within astoma 105 between lumen 104 and patient outer abdominal surface 106.

In some embodiments, ostomy device 100 includes an internal bolster 108and an external bolster 110 which are each attached to tube 112. In someembodiments, bolsters 108 and 110 are attached at opposite ends of tube112.

In some embodiments, inner bolster 108 is larger, in at least onedirection perpendicular to an opening of the stoma within lumen 104,such that inner bolster 108 prevents tube 112 from falling out of stoma105. In some embodiments, inner bolster 108 is larger, in at least onedirection perpendicular to an opening of the stoma within outerabdominal surface 106, for example, preventing tube 112 from moving intothe lumen.

In some embodiments, stoma 105 a does not follow a straight path betweenthe lumen 104 and outer abdominal surface 106 (e.g. as illustrated inFIG. 1B). In some embodiments, the stoma is non-perpendicular to thelumen wall and/or outer abdominal surface. In some embodiments, aflexible tube (and/or bolster flexibility e.g. a described below)prevents pressure of the device on patient anatomy due to suchnon-planar patient anatomy. In some embodiments, one or more portions ofthe inner and/or outer bolster adjust to non-planar patient anatomy(e.g. as described below). In some embodiments, connection between thetube and the inner and/or outer bolster adjusts to non-planar patientanatomy.

FIG. 1B is a simplified schematic cross section of an ostomy device witha flexible tube 112 a, according to some embodiments of the invention.In some embodiments, the patient moves without device 100 causingdiscomfort and/or injury, for example, due to tube 112 flexibility.

Inner Tube

In some embodiments, an ostomy device includes an inner tube providing achannel through which material passes e.g. from outside the patient intoa patient lumen. FIG. 2A is a simplified schematic sectional view ofostomy device 200 including an inner tube 214, according to someembodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, ostomy device 200 isdeployed in a patient where an internal bolster 208 is within a patientlumen (not illustrated) and an external bolster 210 is outside thepatient and where an outer tube 212 and an inner tube 214 pass betweenthe lumen and the outside of the patient e.g. as illustrated by tube 112in FIG. 1A.

In some embodiments, inner tube 214 is disposed within outer tube 212where inner tube 214 provides a channel 202 from outside a patient to alumen (e.g. stomach).

In some embodiments, inner tube 214 and/or outer tube 212 are flexible,in some embodiments, bending of the outer tube causing the inner tube tobend, for example preventing stress between the two components and/orsurrounding tissue. For example, preventing damaging stress (e.g.sufficient to cause necrosis) between outer tube 212 and

In some embodiments, inner tube 214 is removable, for example, allowingcleaning of the inner and/or outer tube and/or replacement of inner tube214.

In an exemplary embodiment, inner tube is sufficiently rigid forinsertion of the inner tube 214 into the outer tube 212.

In an exemplary embodiment, inner tube 214 and/or outer tube 212 aresufficiently rigid (e.g. axially rigid) such that movement of thepatient and/or movement of the outer bolster and/or pressure of patienttissue on the tubes do not cause buckling and/or collapse of outer tube212 and/or inner tube 214. In some embodiments, inner tube 212 issufficiently rigid to prevent closure of the channel, for example, dueto pressure from patient tissue and/or collapse of the outer tube.

In an exemplary embodiment, inner tube 112 is part of an inner tubeportion which, in some embodiments, is removed and replaced or cleanede.g. to provide a clean channel. FIG. 2B is a simplified schematic sideview of an ostomy device body 200 a and an inner tube portion 216,according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments,ostomy device body 200 a includes an internal bolster 208, an outer tube212 and an external bolster 210.

Exemplary Method of Feeding

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of feeding, according to someembodiments of the invention.

At 302, a food reservoir, for example, bag of fluid nutritionalsupplement, is attached to an ostomy device tube (e.g. inner tube 214).Exemplary contents of a food reservoir include liquid (e.g. water)and/or medication and/or any other substance desired for directinsertion into the stomach.

FIG. 4A is a simplified schematic of a patient 422 with an installedostomy device 400, and a feeding device 423, according to someembodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, feeding device 423includes a food reservoir 424 and a connector 426.

FIG. 4B is a simplified schematic of a patient 422 with an installedostomy device 400, where a feeding device 423 is connected to ostomydevice 400, according to some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, food reservoir 424 is attached to an inlet 430 ofan ostomy device tube (e.g. inner tube 214 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B)by connector 426. In some embodiments, connector 426 includes a pipe 428through which food flows from food reservoir 424 into the patient 422.In some embodiments, connector 426 and/or fluid reservoir 424 and/orpipe 428 are commercially available components, used with PEG feedingdevices.

In some embodiments, a feeding device includes a connector which issized and shaped to fit into an ostomy device outer tube (e.g. outertube 212), optionally forming a seal (e.g. as described herein). In someembodiments, the feeding device connector, when inserted into the ostomydevice outer tube (e.g. outer tube 212) forms an inner tube of theostomy device. FIG. 5A is a simplified schematic of a patient 522 withan installed ostomy device 500, and a feeding device 523, according tosome embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5B is a simplified schematic ofa patient 522 with an installed ostomy device 500, where a connector 526forms an ostomy device inner tube, according to some embodiments of theinvention. In some embodiments, connector 526 (which optionally includesa pipe 528) connects a food reservoir 524 to a patient stomach.

In some embodiments, a connector (for example connect 526 is configuredto release when a dangerous force is applied to an external device (suchas tube 528). For example when tube 528 is pulled with a force strongenough to pull ostomy device 400 out of a stoma, connector 526 releasestube 528. Optionally, tube 528 will be pulled away, but device 400 willremain in position.

In some embodiments, the method of feeding includes removing an innertube portion (e.g. inner tube portion 216 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B)and then attaching a food reservoir to ostomy device 430.

In some embodiments, the connector is directly attached to the foodreservoir (e.g. the feeding device does not include a tube). FIG. 6 is asimplified schematic of a feeding device 623 where a connector 626 isdirectly attached to a food reservoir 624, according to someembodiments, of the invention. FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic of afeeding device 723 where a connector 724, which includes a tube 714, isdirectly attached to a food reservoir 724, according to someembodiments, of the invention.

Returning back to FIG. 3, at 304, food (e.g. fluid food) flows from thefood reservoir through a channel (e.g. channel 202) into the patient'sstomach. In some embodiments, fluid flows into the stomach undergravity, for example the food reservoir is raised above height of thepatient's stomach. In some embodiments, pressure is applied e.g. to thefood reservoir, to dispense fluid into the stomach e.g. the fluidreservoir is a syringe, e.g. a patient or caregiver manually squeezes onthe food reservoir.

In some embodiments, a feeding device (e.g. 423, 523, 626, 623) includesa feeding pump (e.g. a commercially available feeding pump) whichregulates, for example, rate and/or quantity and/or pressure of fluidintroduced into the patient through the ostomy device.

In some embodiments, once feeding is completed, the feeding device isremoved, for example, from a body of the device, which remains in situ(e.g. partially within the patient, e.g. the inner tube is removed whilethe outer tube remains in position at least partially within the stoma).

In some embodiments, the inner tube is removed and cleaned or replacedperiodically (e.g. every feed, once a day, once a week, once a month, orshorter, or longer, or intermediate time periods).

Inner Tube Portion Exemplary Seal Between Inner Tube and Outer Tube

Returning back to FIGS. 2A-2B, in some embodiments, sealing betweeninner tube 214 and another part of the device prevents flow and/ormaterial accumulating within tube 212 (e.g. outwards from the stomach)around inner tube 214. In some embodiments, sealing is of an openinginto the lumen of the outer tube. In some embodiments, sealing isbetween inner tube 214 and outer tube 212. Alternatively, in someembodiments, sealing is between other parts preventing flow within theouter tube around the inner tube, for example, in some embodiments,sealing (e.g. a sealing element) is between the internal bolster (e.g.208) and the inner tube (e.g. 214).

In some embodiments, e.g. as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B, inner tube 214closely fits outer tube 212, preventing flow around inner tube 214.

In some embodiments, device 200 includes a sealing portion between innertube 214 and outer tube 212.

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a tip of aportion of an ostomy device including a sealing element 832 between aninner tube 814 and an outer tube 812, according to some embodiments ofthe invention. In some embodiments, sealing element 832 is a ring offlexible material (e.g. rubber, silicone rubber) around inner tube 814.In some embodiments, sealing element 832 is mounted on (e.g. attachedto) inner tube 814. Alternatively, in some embodiments, sealing element832 is mounted on (e.g. attached to) outer tube 812.

In some embodiments, sealing is axial, for example, a seal between innertube (e.g. 214) and outer tube (e.g. 214) is between a portion of theinner tube and a tip of the outer tube.

In some embodiments, axial sealing is achieved by the inner tubeincluding an expanding sealing element (e.g. elastic and/or compressibleand/or inflatable). FIG. 9A is a simplified schematic cross sectionalview of a portion of an ostomy device during insertion of an inner tube914 which includes an expanding sealing element 932, according to someembodiments of the invention. FIG. 9B is a simplified schematic crosssectional view of a portion of an ostomy device and an expanded sealingelement 932, according to some embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments, once inner tube 914 is inserted such that expanding sealingelement 932 emerges from the ostomy device (e.g. as described herein)outer tube 912, expanding sealing element 932 unfolds or expands toclose, e.g. at the stomach end of outer tube 912, a channel betweenouter and inner tubes 912, 914. In some embodiments, sealing element 932and a rim 934 of outer tube 912 are sized and shaped such that pressureP of stomach contents on sealing element 932 holds and/or pushes sealingelement to rim 934 of outer tube 912, improving sealing.

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of a portion of an ostomy deviceincluding a sealing element 1032, according to some embodiments of theinvention.

In some embodiments, a portion of the outer tube which in contact withthe sealing element is sized and shaped to provide an increased surfacearea over which sealing occurs. FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic of aportion of an ostomy device including a sealing element 1132 and anangled outer tube edge 1134 in contact with the sealing element,according to some embodiments of the invention. The angled end of theouter tube, in contrast to a straight cut outer tube end, provides anincreased contact area between the outer tube and the sealing element,and potentially a stronger seal associated with this larger surfacearea. In some embodiments, the angled end of the outer tube enables tubepull-out of the inner tube, for example, by facilitating retraction ofthe expanding portion of the inner tube.

In some embodiments, sealing element 1132 extends beyond outer tube1112, the additional surface area under pressure from the stomachcontents potentially increasing the force between sealing element 1132and outer tube edge 1134.

In some embodiments, sealing is between walls of the outer and innertube, e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 13A. Alternatively, oradditionally, in some embodiments, sealing is between an edge or rim ofthe outer tube and the inner tube, e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 9B, FIG.10 and FIG. 11. In some embodiments, sealing is between a surface of theouter tube and the inner tube, for example, in some embodiments, asealing element wraps around and/or folds over the outer tube.

In some embodiments, a sealing element provides tactile feedback to auser that the inner tube portion is in position. For example, in someembodiments, the inner tube inserts freely until the sealing elementengages, resistance of movement of the inner tube is increased.

Exemplary Inner Tube which Cleans Outer Tube

In some embodiments, the inner tube portion (e.g. 216) includes one ormore portion for cleaning the outer tube, for example, on insertionand/or removal of the inner tube. In some embodiments, an inner tubesealing element also acts as a cleaning portion.

In some embodiments, a sealing element also cleans the outer tube, forexample, on insertion and/or removal of the outer tube. For example, insome embodiment sealing element 832 (FIG. 8) is a cleaning and/orsealing element.

FIG. 12A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an inner tube1214 before insertion into an outer tube which has accumulated residue1236 (e.g. food residue), according to some embodiments of theinvention. FIG. 12B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of aninner tube 1214 during insertion into an outer tube which hasaccumulated residue 1236, according to some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 12B illustrates that residue 1236 has been cleaned from outer tube1212, by cleaning portion 1232, and, in some embodiments, is removedfrom the ostomy device by pushing into the patient's stomach (e.g. ifinner tube 1214 is inserted to a tip of outer tube 1212). In someembodiments, cleaning portion 1232 pushes against outer tube walls,potentially elasticity improving cleaning the outer tube (e.g. cleaningportion is elastic and is elastically compressed within outer tube).Flexibility and/or elasticity of cleaning element/s is illustrated bybending of cleaning elements 1432 in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 13A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a portion ofan ostomy device where an inner tube 1314 is disposed within an outertube 1312 which has accumulated residue 1336, according to someembodiments of the invention. FIG. 13B is a simplified schematic crosssectional view of an inner tube 1314 during removal from an outer tube1312 which has accumulated residue 1336, according to some embodimentsof the invention. FIG. 13B illustrates that residue 1336 has beencleaned from outer tube 1312. In some embodiments, residue 1336 isremoved from the ostomy device during removal of inner tube 1314.

In some embodiments, an inner tube includes more than one cleaningelement (and/or sealing element). FIG. 14A is a simplified schematiccross sectional view of insertion of an inner tube 1414 includingmultiple cleaning elements 1432 (which, in some embodiments arealternatively or additionally sealing elements) into an outer tube 1432,according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 14B is a simplifiedschematic cross sectional view of an inner tube 1414 including multiplecleaning elements 1432 after exiting an outer tube 1432, according tosome embodiments of the invention.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, a cleaning devicefor example, including a cleaning element (e.g. as described above) isused to clean the outer tube. For example, the inner tube is removed; acleaning tool is inserted and removed (optionally more than one time).

Exemplary Valve

Returning back to FIGS. 2A-2B, in some embodiments, ostomy device 200includes one or more valve.

In an exemplary embodiment, a valve 218 is disposed in channel 202. Insome embodiments, valve 218 is a one way valve, for example, allowingflow of food from a food reservoir to the stomach, but preventingback-flow from the stomach outwards. Alternatively, in some embodiments,valve 218 is a one way valve, allowing flow from the lumen out of theostomy device, but preventing flow into the lumen. In some embodiments,valve 218 is a two directional valve, for example, which allows flowinto the lumen of fluid and prevents flow in the opposite direction,below a certain pressure, once reached valve 218 allows flow out of thelumen (e.g. providing venting of the lumen potentially preventingpressure build up in the lumen).

In some embodiments, channel is connected to a component including twobranches, each including a valve. For example, in some embodiments, afirst valve, disposed in a first branch is a one way valve only allowingmovement of material into the valve. In some embodiments, a secondvalve, disposed in a second branch is a one way valve only allowingmovement of material out of the valve e.g. once a threshold pressure isexceeded.

In some embodiments, the ostomy device (e.g. as described herein) isused to depressurize the stomach, continuously and/or periodically, e.g.by allowing flow of material out of the stomach e.g. gas and/or otherstomach contents.

In some embodiments, valve 218 remains closed until a feeding device(e.g. 423, 523) is attached to ostomy device 200, the attachment ofwhich, in some embodiments, opens valve 218. Alternatively oradditionally, in some embodiments, ostomy device 200 includes a closingelement for example, a plug which is inserted into and/or over outlet230 between feeds. For example, plug 3772 illustrated in FIG. 37A.

In an exemplary embodiment, valve 218 is located within head 220.

Exemplary Coupling of Inner Tube to Body of Ostomy Device

In some embodiments, inner tube 214 is attached at one or more point toone or more portion of a body of the ostomy device 200, for example,preventing movement of the inner tube.

For example, as described previously, in some embodiments, inner tube214 is coupled (e.g. to outer tube 212 and/or to internal bolster 208)by a sealing element, e.g. the inner tube is coupled to the outer tubeby a sealing element (e.g. as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9A-9B, 10 and 11).

In some embodiments, an inner tube portion 216 includes inner tube 214and a head 220 which attaches to external bolster 210. In someembodiments head 220 is rigid.

In some embodiments, head 220 is larger in a direction perpendicular toa long axis of the inner tube, providing a larger surface area forattachment to external bolster 210 and/or for attachment to a feedingdevice. In some embodiments inner tube portion 216 including inner tube214 and head 220 is a single piece (e.g. molded as a single piece and/orassembled by connecting tube 214 and head 230). For example, someembodiments, inner tube 214 and head 220 are formed of the same material(e.g. silicone and/or polyurethane), where inner tube 214 (e.g. due tothickness of walls of the inner tube) is flexible and head 220 is asubstantially rigid part (e.g. due to thickness of material in thepart), for example forming a stable connector to other portions e.g.external bolster 220 and/or a feeding device.

In some embodiments, connection of the inner tube is by connection ofthe inner tube both at a lumen end of the inner tube (e.g. by a sealingelement) and by connection of the inner tube (or inner tube portion) tothe external bolster.

In an exemplary embodiment, a sealing ring is disposed in a ridgebetween the outer tube and a connector connecting the outer tube to abolster (e.g. the inner bolster). In some embodiments, a connectorconnecting the outer tube to a bolster (e.g. the inner bolster) itselfforms a sealing element against the inner tube.

In some embodiments, inner tube 214 is coupled to external bolster 210.In some embodiments, an elastic element couples an inner tube portion(e.g. 216) to an external bolster (e.g. 210). FIG. 15A is a simplifiedschematic cross section of a bolster 1510 coupled to an inner tube by anelastic element 1538, according to some embodiments of the invention.FIG. 15B is a simplified schematic cross section of an inner tubereleased from an elastic element 1538, according to some embodiments ofthe invention.

In some embodiments, elastic element 1538 is relaxed when an elasticelement cross section smallest dimension, D, is larger than the diameter(D1) of inner tube portion 216, such that, when inner tube portion 216is disposed inside elastic element 1538 (e.g. as illustrated in FIG.15A) the elastic element holds the inner tube portion (with elasticelement cross section smallest dimension D1>D). To remove inner tubeportion 216, in some embodiments, buttons 1540, 1542 are pushed inwardsby pressure, P (e.g. applied by a user) which deforms elastic element1538 into a shape (e.g. a more circular shape) with larger cross sectionsmallest dimension, D2. Elastic element 1538 no longer holds inner tubeportion 1516 and, in some embodiments, inner tube portion 1516 is freeto be removed.

In some embodiments, elastic element 1538 holds the inner tube itself(e.g. 214 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B). Alternatively, in someembodiments, elastic element 1538 holds an element connected to theinner tube (e.g. head 220 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B).

In some embodiments, elastic element 1538 holds inner tube portion 1516in an inlet of inner tube portion 1516. Returning back to FIG. 2B, in anexemplary embodiment, an elastic element 238, when inner tube portion216 is inserted into the body of ostomy device 200, is located within agroove 221 in the inner tube portion.

In some embodiments, an inner tube portion is held in position by anexternal bolster including two portions, a first external bolsterportion fitting over the inner tube portion (e.g. overlaps axially innertube portion head 220). FIG. 16 is a simplified section view of anexternal bolster including a portion 1610 a which fits over an innertube portion 1616, according to some embodiments of the invention. Insome embodiments, external bolster 1610 holds inner tube portion 1616against the outer tube 1612. In some embodiments, external bolster 1610is a flexible component which elastically holds inner tube portion 1616onto an external bolster second portion 1636 attached to an outer tube1612. In some embodiments, when inner tube portion 1616 is removedand/or replaced, external bolster 1610 is detached and/or a portion ofthe external bolster which holds inner tube portion 1616 is moved.

In some embodiments, first external bolster portion 1610 a is an axiallyflexible portion, (e.g. as described herein) and second external bolsterportion 1636 is sized to prevent movement into the stoma.

In some embodiments, an inner tube portion attaches to an externalbolster by a protruding portion of the inner tube portion plugging intoa hollow (also herein termed recess) in the external bolster (e.g. aplug-socket mechanism). In some embodiments, more than one protrusionplugs, each protrusion into a matching hollow or recess. Alternatively,in some embodiments, the inner tube portion includes one or more recessand the external bolster includes matching plug/s.

In some embodiments, one or more part of an inner tube plug is elastic,holding the inner tube plug in position within a bolster socket, forexample, inner tube plug includes a by an interference mechanism (e.g.push-lock mechanism).

In some embodiments, an inner tube portion is held in position by aninterference mechanism (e.g. push-lock mechanism). FIG. 17 is asimplified schematic cross sectional view of a connection between aninner tube portion 1716 and an external bolster 1710, according to someembodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, as inner tube portion1716 is pushed into an outer tube (not illustrated) protrusions of theinner tube portion enter into hollows in the external bolster, elasticportions of the inner tube portion 1740, 1742 and/or interlocking shapeof the hollows and protrusions holding inner tube portion and externalbolster together (e.g. by an interference mechanism (e.g. push-lockmechanism)). FIG. 33 illustrates a side view of the inner tube portionillustrated in FIG. 17, 1716 inserted into an external bolster 3310. Insome embodiments, a user pushes, P on inner tube portion 1740, 1742,separating at least some inner tube portion and external bolsterinterlocking portion/s to free the inner tube portion.

In some embodiments, inner tube portion is connected indirectly to theexternal bolster by connection to a rigid connector. FIG. 18A is asimplified isometric view of an ostomy device 1800 including aplug-socket connection between an inner tube portion 1816 and an rigidconnector 1810 b, according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18B is a simplified schematic section view of an ostomy device 1800including a plug-socket connection between an inner tube portion 1816and an rigid connector 1810 b, according to some embodiments of theinvention. FIG. 18B illustrates the section taken along line C-C in FIG.18A.

FIG. 18C is a simplified schematic section view of an ostomy deviceinner tube portion 1816 including a plug connector, according to someembodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, rigid connector 1810 b forms a base for connectionof flexible devices, for example, external bolster 1810 and/or outertube 1812 and/or inner tube 1814 (connected via inner tube head 1820).In some embodiments, inner tube portion 1816 is held in position by a byan interference mechanism (e.g. push-lock mechanism) where elements ofhead 1820 interlock with elements of connector 1810 b. In someembodiments, a user pushes, P on inner tube portion buttons 1840, 1842,separating at least some inner tube portion and external bolsterinterlocking portion/s to remove the inner tube portion from the device.

In some embodiments, the connection between the inner tube portion andthe external bolster is shaped such that, upon release of the inner tubeportion (e.g. by pressing on buttons 1840, 1842) the inner tube portionmoves outwards (e.g. partially) from the inner tube portion.

In some embodiment, removal of the inner tube portion includes releasinga connection between the inner tube portion and the external bolster(e.g. pressing on one or more button (e.g. pressing concurrently on twobuttons)). In some embodiments, release of the inner tube portion isfollowed by pulling on the inner tube portion to remove it from the bodyof the ostomy device. In some embodiments, release and removal of theinner tube portion is performed concurrently e.g. release of the innertube portion from connection with the external bolster includes pullingon the inner tube portion.

In some embodiments, a connector for to an ostomy device is designed torelease when a high tension is applied. For example if a inner tubeportion is pulled with a force hard enough to pull an inner bolster outof a stoma, connector 1810 b is configured to release so that inner tubeis pulled out of the outer tube, but the outer tube and bolsters remainin place in the stoma. For example, the maximum force before the tube isrelease may range between 5 to 10 N and/or between 10 to 20 N and/orbetween 20 to 50 N and/or between 50 to 100N.

In some embodiments, a connector is resistant to twisting forces. Forexample since inner tube portion 1816 is not connected to ostomy device1800 by a threaded connector, twisting tube portion 1816 will not causeit to be disconnected.

Exemplary Anti-Rotation

In some embodiments, one or more part of an ostomy device (e.g. 200,1800, as described herein) includes anti-rotation feature/s to preventrotation of parts of the device with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, anti rotation feature/s ensure that torque appliedto a part of the device transfers axially along the device. For example,in some embodiments, rotating external portion/s of the device (e.g.external bolster) causes internal portions of the device (e.g. innerbolster and/or outer tube) to rotate.

In some embodiments, an inner bolster is rotated periodically (e.g. byrotating the outer bolster), for example, as part of a care protocol,e.g. to prevent encapsulation of the inner bolster into the stomachwall.

In some embodiments, anti-rotation element/s facilitate attachment offeeding device connector/s via rotation, for example, in someembodiments, attachment of a feeding device to an inner tube by rotation(e.g. screw attachment) is assisted by lack of rotation of the innertube within the device.

In some embodiments, one or more anti-rotation element prevents rotationof the inner tube within the device.

In some embodiments, one or more anti-rotation element prevents rotationof one or more bolster with respect to the outer tube.

In some embodiments, rotation of inner tube portion 216 with respect tothe ostomy device body and/or external bolster 210 is prevented byanti-rotation elements on inner tube portion 216 and/or external bolster210. In some embodiments, lack of rotation of the inner tube portionprevents twisting and/or tangling (e.g. associated with constricted flowand/or loosening of attachment of the feeding device) of portions of afeeding device attached to the ostomy device (e.g. twisting and/ortangling of feeding device tube 428, 528 closing and/or collapsing thetube).

In some embodiments, one or more part of an ostomy device (e.g. 200,1800, as described herein) includes anti-rotation features to preventrotation of the inner tube within a body of the ostomy device (body ofthe device including internal bolster, outer tube and external bolster).

Returning back to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B protrusions 1544, 1546 of orconnected to elastic element 1538 fit within indentations 1548, 1550respectively hold elastic element 1538 in axial and/or rotationalposition, e.g. preventing rotation of external bolster 1510 and innertube portion 1520 with respect to each other. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, protrusions 1544, 1546 andindentations 1548, 1550 prevent movement and/or slipping of elasticelement with respect to external bolster 1510, e.g. during insertionand/or removal of inner tube portion 1516.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of buttons 1530, 1542, fitthrough holes in external bolster 1510. In some embodiments, buttons1530, 1542, additionally or alternatively prevent rotation externalbolster 1510 and inner tube portion 1520 with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, anti-rotation elements include interlockingelements. FIG. 20A is a simplified schematic of an external bolster 2010including a hollow 2052, according to some embodiments of the invention.FIG. 20B is a simplified schematic of an inner tube portion head 2020including a protrusion 2054, according to some embodiments of theinvention. When inner tube portion head 2020 is within external bolster,protrusion 2054 fits within hollow 2052 preventing rotation of intertube portion head 2020 with respect to external bolster 2010.

In some embodiments, connected portions include more than oneinterlocking element. In some embodiments an external bolster includesprotrusions and the inner tube portion includes hollows. FIG. 21 is asimplified schematic side view of an inner tube portion head 2120including more than one hollow 2156, according to some embodiments ofthe invention. In some embodiments, each of a pair of connected piecesincludes both hollows and protrusions.

In some embodiments, connection between an outer tube (e.g. 212) and abolster include anti-rotation element/s, for example texture and/orinterlocking elements. FIG. 19 is a simplified schematic of an outertube 1912 including anti-rotation elements 1954, according to someembodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, anti-rotationelements 1952 are serrations on an outer surface of outer tube 1912and/or on an outer surface of a connector attached to the outer tube.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, a bolster and/or orconnector attached to a bolster includes anti rotation elements, e.g.serrations shaped to interlock with serrations 1954.

Other anti-rotation mechanisms on connecting portions, for exampleconnection between bolster/s and the outer tube and connection of theinner tube to bolster/s and/or the outer tube are envisioned andencompassed by the present invention. For example, matchinghollows/protrusions and/or other anti-rotation shapes such as noncylindrical cross section, e.g. triangular, square, octagonal, oval.

Exemplary Connection of Flexible Parts

In some embodiments, a device outer tube (e.g. 112) is flexible and/orportion/s of an internal bolster and external bolster are flexible (e.g.as described herein).

In some embodiments, bolsters (e.g. 108, 110) are connected to tube 112,where connection between the bolsters and the tube is sufficientlystrong such that movement of the patient and/or connection anddisconnection of a feeding device (e.g. 423, 523, 623, 723) do not causeloosening and/or disassembly of bolsters 108, 110 from tube 112.

In some embodiments, secure connection of flexible components is usingrigid connectors.

In some embodiments, flexible portion/s of each bolster (e.g. 208, 210)are connected to a flexible outer tube (e.g. 212) by one or more rigidconnecting element (e.g. 234, 236).

In some embodiments, more than one (optionally rigid) connecting elementis used to connect two parts (e.g. flexible parts) where a firstconnecting element connects to a first flexible part (e.g. a bolster), asecond connecting element connects to a second flexible part (e.g. anouter tube) and the connecting elements then connect together (e.g. witha snap lock mechanism, e.g. with a screw mechanism).

In some embodiments, a connection between a bolster (e.g. 208, 210) andthe outer tube (e.g. 212) includes a first rigid connecting elementattached to the outer tube which attaches to a second rigid connectingelement attached to the bolster. For example, referring to FIGS. 2A-2B,connecting element 236 attached to the inner tube connects.

In some embodiments, one or more connector attaches to a bolster with asnap lock connection for example, as illustrated by connection betweenconnector 234 and external bolster 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, connector 234 is permanently connected tointernal bolster 208, for example by injection molding and/or adhesion(e.g. by gluing). Alternatively, in some embodiments, connector 234 andinternal bolster 208 are one part.

In some embodiments, internal bolster 208 and outer tube 212 are onepart.

In another exemplary embodiment, connector 236 is permanently connectedto external bolster 210, for example by injection molding and/oradhesion (e.g. by gluing). Alternatively, in some embodiments, connector236 and external bolster 210 are one part. Alternatively, in someembodiments, internal bolster 210 and outer tube 212 are one part.

In some embodiments, a same material is used to form both rigid andflexible parts. For example, in some embodiments, a single materialcomponent including a flexible bolster and a rigid connector (e.g.molded as one piece) where the bolster is sized such that it is flexibleand the connector is sized such that it is rigid. For example, in someembodiments, flexible inner bolster 208 and rigid connecter 234 are onemolded part.

FIG. 22 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a portion ofan internal bolster 2208 connected to an outer tube (not illustrated) byinterlocking connecting elements 2234 a, 2234 b, according to someembodiments of the invention. An exemplary axis of symmetry of thedevice is illustrated as a dash-dot line. In some embodiments a firstconnecting element 2234 a connects an (optionally flexible) internalbolster portion 2208 to a second connecting element 2234 b, where secondconnecting element 2234 b is connected to the outer tube. In someembodiments, connecting elements 2234 a, 2234 b, are rigid. In someembodiments, connecting elements 2234 a, 2234 b, connect by a snap lockmechanism where one of connecting elements 2234 a, 2234 b, includes oneor more protruding portion which interlocks with one or more hollow inthe other portion. For example, in some embodiments, first connectingelement 2234 a includes a protruding portion. As connecting element 2234b is inserted into connecting element 2234 a, connecting element 2234 aelastically deflects the elastic return force pushing protruding portion2234 c into hollow 2234 d.

FIG. 23 is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an ostomydevice, according to some embodiments of the invention. An exemplaryaxis of symmetry of the device is illustrated as a dash-dot line. Insome embodiments, an internal bolster 2308 is permanently attached toouter tube 2312 by gluing and/or injection molding of internal bolster2308 and outer tube 2312 with an optionally rigid connector 2334. Insome embodiments, connection between an external bolster 2310 and outertube 2312 is by a snap lock connection between the two parts, e.g.between a rigid connector and a flexible part (e.g. connector 2336 isrigid and external bolster 2310 is flexible) and/or between two rigidparts (e.g. connector 2336 is rigid and external bolster 2310 is rigid).

In some embodiments, one or more alternative or additional methodsand/or types of connector of attachment between bolsters and the innertube is used, for example, screw attachment, other types of rotationlocking, collet, adhesion (e.g. gluing).

Exemplary Connection of Flexible Tube to Rigid Connector/s

Referring back to FIGS. 2A-2B, in some embodiments, connecting elements234 and 236 connect to the outer tube by contacting the inside of theouter tube 212. For example, in some embodiments tube 212 is stretchedaround a connector (e.g. 234, 236), a reactive force (e.g. elasticreactive force) from the tube holding the connector in place.

In some embodiments, tube 212 and/or one or more connector 234, 236 areshaped such that a force required to insert the connector into the tubeis less than that required to remove the connector. For example, in someembodiments connector/s 234 and/or 236 attach to outer tube 212 bytapered friction fit components, for example, the connectors have one ormore angled (e.g. serrated) edge or component.

In some embodiments, connection between outer tube 212 and connector/sand/or other parts of the device is by gluing and/or clamping the outertube between two rigid parts.

In some embodiments, connection between a flexible outer tube, forexample connected to one or more rigid connector (e.g. tube 212 andconnectors 234 and/or 236) includes an internal structure (e.g.providing support to the connectors). FIG. 24 is a simplified schematicof a tube 2412 including a mesh 2412 a and connectors 2434, 2436,according to some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, an ostomy device tube is reinforced by elongatedelements (e.g. wires). FIG. 25 is a simplified schematic of awire-reinforced tube 2512 and connectors 2534, 2536, according to someembodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, a tube includes an internal structure (e.g. mesh2412, elongated elements 2512) within a sheath and/or coating (e.g.silicone), for example, the internal structure providing structuralstrength (e.g. crush resistance and/or axial tensile strength) and thesheath providing sealing. In some embodiments, a tube includes aninternal structure with a high percentage of open space on the outersurface of the tube (e.g. more than 30%, more than 50%, more than 80%open space, or lower, or higher or intermediate percentages of openspace). For example, in some embodiments, a tube internal structureprovides a stable base (e.g. internal structure is of metal) for whilehigh percentage of open space maintains tube flexibility.

In some embodiments, an ostomy device tube is reinforced by thickenedwalls adjacent to and/or overlapping connectors. FIG. 26 is a simplifiedschematic cross sectional view of tube 2612 including thickened tubewall portions 2612 a, 2612 b, and connectors 2634, 2636, according tosome embodiments of the invention.

Exemplary Support from Bolsters

As described previously, bolsters, in some embodiments, reduce and/orprevent moving and/or sliding of the outer tube within the stoma. Insome embodiments, one or both bolsters are shaped such that a portion ofpatient tissue that the bolster contacts is at a distance from theopening of the stoma. A potential advantage may include reduction inirritation and/or inflammation to the delicate tissue around the stoma.

In some embodiments, one or more bolster has a shape where a contour ofthe bolster facing to the patient tissue surface (e.g. the bolsterunderside contour) extends away from a central axis of the device(central axis passing through the patient stoma) and towards the patienttissue surface such that contact areas of the bolster with the patienttissue surface (abdomen surface for external bolster, stomach lining forinternal bolster) are at a distance from the opening of the stoma.

For example, in some embodiments, contact point/s between the externalbolster and the patient outer abdominal surface is at a distance from anopening of the stoma on the patient outer abdominal surface between 2-30mm, between 5-25 mm, or between 5-15 mm, or smaller, or larger, orintermediate distances.

For example, in some embodiments, contact point/s between the internalbolster and the lumen inner wall is at a distance from an opening of thestoma inside the lumen of between 1-15 mm, and/or between 2-10 mm,and/or smaller, and/or larger, and/or intermediate distances.

In some embodiments, the external and/or internal bolster are domeshaped, with the peak of the dome connected to the outer tube, wherecontact between the bolster and the tissue surface is a ring, forexample as illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 49B.

In some embodiments, contact between the external bolster and thepatient outer abdominal surface provides support to the ostomy device.In some embodiments, the external bolster, at least when it iselastically relaxed, includes a shape with a planar end edge,potentially providing a continuous contour of contact with patient outerabdominal surface (e.g. skin surface). For example, returning back toFIGS. 2A-2B where contact between external bolster 210 and patient skinis a ring shape corresponding to a rim of the external bolster). In someembodiments, the external bolster includes a dome shape.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, e.g. as described herein, theexternal and/or internal bolster include separate sections. For example,in some embodiments, contact between the bolster and the tissue surfaceis at more than one discrete points, for example, providing aeration toan area of skin under the external bolster, for example allowingdifferent portions of the stomach lining to support the device atdifferent times (e.g. the inner bolster, in some embodiments, is rotatedperiodically, portions of the stomach lining contacting the innerbolster changing with the rotation).

In some embodiments, an external bolster includes a plurality of petals,for example, as illustrated in FIG. 18A which illustrates a device withthree petals 1899. In some embodiments, the external fixation device hastwo petals, or more than three petals, e.g. four petals, up to 10petals, up to 20 petals.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, external bolsterincludes notches and/or ducts and/or or holes e.g. to provide aeration.FIG. 33 is a simplified schematic side view of an external bolsterincluding a plurality of notches 3360, according to some embodiments ofthe invention.

Exemplary Adjustable Length of Ostomy Device

In some embodiments, an ostomy device (e.g. as described herein) isdeployable into a range of thicknesses of stoma, where bolsters hold thedevice in position. In some embodiments, a height of one or bothbolsters is set, for example, upon installation of the device.

Exemplary Adjustable Position of External Bolster

In some embodiments, an axial length of an ostomy device (e.g. 100, 200,1800 as described herein) is adjustable, for example, when installingthe device within a patient and/or when the device is installed within apatient.

In some embodiments, a position of attachment of one or more bolster(e.g. the external bolster) with respect to the outer tube is adjustablemeaning that a single device is adjustable to different lengths ofstoma. FIG. 27 is a simplified schematic cross section of an ostomydevice 2700 with an adjustable tube length within the patient body,according to some embodiments of the invention. A position of anexternal bolster is adjustable from position illustrated by 2710 on tube2712 when patient outer abdominal surface is at 2706 to a positionillustrated by 2710 a.

FIG. 28A is a simplified schematic section view of a portion of anostomy device, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 28Aillustrates an embodiment where an outer tube 2812 is connected to anexternal bolster 2810 by a connector 2836. In some embodiments, externalbolster 2810 is a flexible component coupled to connector 2836 byelastic tension of external bolster 2810. In some embodiments, theposition of external bolster 2810 in an ostomy device axial direction isadjustable e.g. by manually moving the bolster.

In some embodiments, a position of an external bolster (e.g. 2810) withrespect to a connector (e.g. 2836) and/or an outer tube (e.g. 2812) isadjustable by a screw mechanism. For example, external bolster 2810 anda connector 2836 include matching thread.

In some embodiments, connection between external bolster 2810 andconnector 2836 where a position of external bolster 2810 on connector2836 is optionally axially adjustable, is strengthened by interlockingelements (e.g. by increasing resistance to axial movement of theexternal bolster). FIGS. 28B-28D are simplified schematic crosssectional views of exemplary interlocking connection between externalbolster and connector, according to some embodiments of the invention.FIGS. 20A-20B also illustrate interlocking connection between anexternal bolster 2010 and a portion connected to the external bolster2020; interlocking threads 2090, 2091.

In some embodiments, the external bolster is connected to one or moreadditional part and/or is not attached to a tube connector. For example,in some embodiments the external bolster is connected to an inner tubeportion head (e.g. as described herein).

In some embodiments, position of the external bolster on the tube isadjustable by up to 50 mm, or up to 30 mm, or 10-40 mm, or lower, orhigher, or intermediate ranges or distances.

Exemplary Adjustable Position of Inner Bolster

In some embodiments, a position of one or more portion of an innerbolster is adjusted, for example, adjusting a minimum dimension betweenthe inner and outer bolsters. In some embodiments, adjustment is duringinstallation, and/or once the ostomy device is installed (e.g.periodically). In some embodiments, the inner bolster is adjusted fromoutside the patient.

For example, referring to FIG. 32A, in some embodiments, an elementattached to one or more petal 3208 a (and e.g. running through the innerbolster is used to adjust a deflection of the petal (e.g.) from arelaxed position illustrated by 3208 a. In some embodiments, the elementis connected to bumper 3258 and, for example, pulling on the elementdeflects the petal, releasing the element reduces deflection of thepetal.

Exemplary Axial Length of Device Related to Pressure on Bolsters

In some embodiments, an axial length of the tube within patient tissueand/or a minimum separation between an inner and an external bolsterchanges in reaction to a pressure applied to the internal and/orexternal bolsters by the patient tissue therebetween, for example,pressure related to swelling and/or reduction in swelling of patienttissue.

FIG. 29A is a simplified schematic cross section of an ostomy device2900 with adjustable axial length, according to some embodiments of theinvention. Ostomy device 2900 is installed within a stoma 2905, withinternal and external bolsters, 2908 and 2910 respectively holding atube 2912 in position within stoma 2905. A length of tube 2912 withinthe stoma is L1.

In some embodiments (e.g. post operatively) patient tissue swells aroundstoma 2912. FIG. 29B is a simplified schematic cross section of anostomy device 2900 with adjustable axial length within swollen tissue,according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments FIG.29B illustrates the device of FIGS. 29A-29B where patient tissue hasswollen, increasing a length of stoma 2905 to L2 (L2>L1). In someembodiments, under pressure from patient tissue internal bolster 2908and/or external bolster 2910 (FIG. 29B illustrates both) bend(optionally elastically) and/or pivot to increase a length of tube 2902within stoma 2905 (e.g. by reducing a height of the bolster/s above thelumen wall/patient outer abdominal surface). Alternatively oradditionally, in some embodiments, tube 2902 is axially elastic,elastically increasing a tube length e.g. upon tissue swelling and/ordecreasing a tube length e.g. upon subsidence of tissue swelling.

FIG. 30 is a simplified schematic section view of a portion of an ostomydevice where a protrusion of the device above a patient outer abdominalsurface is adjustable, according to some embodiments of the invention.In some embodiments, adjustment is by bending and/or deflection of thebolster. FIG. 30 illustrates elastic bending of an external bolster 3010to change a tube length within the patient. This adjustment correspondsto a change in height of the device above the patient outer abdominalsurface. External bolster 3010 bends to a second position 3010 adecreasing a height of the device above a patient outer abdominalsurface from H1 to H2, corresponding to a change in height of ΔH=H2−H1.In some embodiments, change in height (ΔH) is 1-15 mm, or 2-10 mm, or3-7 mm, or up to 5 mm, or up to 10 mm, or lower, or higher, orintermediate ranges or lengths.

In some embodiments, a bolster includes protrusions which areunattached, for at least a portion of the protrusion, and, in someembodiments, each protrusion deflects and/or bends (optionallyelastically) to a different extent.

In some embodiments, the external bolster includes elasticallydeflectable petals which contact the patient outer abdominal surface atdiscrete points (e.g. petals 1899). In some embodiments, each petal 1899elastically deflects a different extent, for example, the bolster toprovide support in the case of non planar patient anatomy.

In some embodiments, different portions of an external bolster bendingto different extents allow the device to fit an abdominal outer surface.FIG. 31A is a simplified schematic section view of an external bolster3110 bending to fit an abdominal outer surface 3106, according to someembodiments of the invention. First petal 3199 a bends to a largerextent than second petal 3106, fitting external bolster 3110 to anon-planar topography of abdominal outer surface 3106. Similarly, insome embodiments, different portions of an inner bolster deflect todifferent extents, fitting the inner bolster to non-planar topography ofa lumen inner wall.

FIG. 31B is a simplified schematic section view of a device where anexternal bolster 3120 is bending to fit the device to a patient anatomy,according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, alumen inner wall 3104 a and an abdominal outer surface 3106 arenon-parallel and, in some embodiments, external bolster petals 3199 a,3199 b bend to different extents to fit the device to the patientanatomy. In some embodiments, bending of bolster portions is in additionto bending of a flexible outer tube.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, different portionsof an inner bolster deflect to different extents, fitting the innerbolster to non-parallel patient anatomy.

FIG. 32A is a simplified schematic section view of a portion of anelastic internal bolster 3208, according to some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 32A illustrates elastic bending of an internal bolster 3210 tochange a tube length within the patient. This adjustment corresponds toa change in height of the device above the patient outer abdominalsurface. Petal 3264 bends to a second position 3264 a decreasing a depthof the device within the lumen (e.g. stomach). In some embodiments,change in depth (ΔD) is 1-15 mm, or 2-10 mm, or 3-7 mm, or up to 5 mm,or up to 10 mm, or lower, or higher, or intermediate ranges or lengths.In some embodiments, internal bolster is designed to have a maximumchange in depth, the device locking and becoming rigid. In someembodiments, internal bolster includes (e.g. for each petal of internalbolster) a bumper 3258 which is shaped to prevent bending (e.g. bycontacting another portion of the device) of the bolster beyond amaximum change in depth, as illustrated by internal bolster 3208 a.

In some embodiments, such elasticity of the internal bolster preventsembedding of the internal bolster within the stomach wall.

In some embodiments, one or more compressible component for example, asponge, a balloon, a spring (e.g. ring-shaped) disposed between theinner bolster and the lumen inner wall.

In some embodiments, a dimension (e.g. axial extent of the componentbetween the inner bolster and the lumen wall) of the compressiblecomponent is adjustable during installation (e.g. a size of thecomponent is selected before insertion at installation). In an exemplaryembodiment, an axial dimension of the compressible component isadjustable after installation, for example, from outside the patient,e.g. without needing an endoscopic procedure.

FIG. 32B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an innerbolster 3208, a lumen inner wall 3204 a and a compressible component3209 therebetween, according to some embodiments of the invention. Insome embodiments, an elongated element 3209 a is connected tocompressible component 3209 and passes through an outer tube 3212(alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, compressiblecomponent 3209 passes through an inner tube 3212 and/or a stoma 3205and/or another abdominal incision). In some embodiments, an axial extentof compressible component 3209 is adjusted by pulling or releasingelongated element 3209 a optionally, compressible component is pulledand/or released and then fixed in position, e.g. by a ratchet mechanism.In some embodiments, compressible component 3209 is elastic (e.g. it isa spring) optionally including plastic.

In an exemplary embodiment, an external bolster (e.g. as describedherein) provides more axial elasticity than an internal bolster (e.g. asdescribed herein), for example, with a maximum ΔH at least double amaximum ΔD. In some embodiments, external bolster holds ostomy device(e.g. as described herein) in position by applying gentle pressure tothe patient skin.

In some embodiments, adjustable position of the external bolster and/orelasticity of the external bolster mean that the device is well fitting,e.g. at all times, and/or meaning that the device has a low profile,e.g. a small height above the patient outer abdominal surface, forexample, 0.2 mm-18 cm, 0.5 mm-5 cm, 0.5 mm-3 cm, or lower, or higher, orintermediate ranges or values.

Exemplary Removal Exemplary Method of Removal

FIG. 34 is a flow chart of a method of ostomy device removal, accordingto some embodiments of the invention.

At 3402, an inner bolster (e.g. as described herein) is dismantled intomore than one piece. In some embodiments, connector/s coupling portionsof the internal bolster are loosened and/or removed, for example,releasing the portions. In some embodiments, the portions of the innerbolster then move away from the inner tube, for example, due to movementof the stomach and/or stomach contents. In some embodiments, a usermoves the outer tube, for example, rotates and/or shakes the outer tube(e.g. by moving the external bolster) to separate the de-coupled innerbolster portions and/or move them from the inner tube. In someembodiments, removing the outer tube moves the inner bolster portionsaway from the outer tube.

In an exemplary embodiment, a user dismantles the internal bolsterexternally, for example, without approaching the device from within thelumen, (e.g. without performing an endoscopic procedure). In someembodiments, the dismantled portions of the internal bolster are freewithin the lumen (e.g. stomach), for example, then passing through thedigestive system. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the disassembledportions are then removed from the lumen (e.g. by pulling through thestoma).

At 3404, in some embodiments, once the internal bolster is dismantled,the outer tube and external bolster are removed e.g. by a user pullingon the external bolster.

Exemplary Dismantling of Internal Bolster

In an exemplary embodiment the petals substantially do not overlap, forexample, substantially do not overlap axially (overlap being wherepetals contact each other in a planes approximately perpendicular to thelong axis of the tube). In some embodiments, petals at most overlapaxially with adjacent (e.g. radially adjacent) petals.

In some embodiments, residue (e.g. stomach contents) coating the innerbolster (e.g. coating contact areas between petals) prevents and/orslows disassembly of inner bolster petals. In some embodiments, theinner bolster includes one or more notch and/or inlet separatingportions of the inner bolster e.g. between petals. For example, reducingan area of contact between petals potentially reduces friction ofmovement of petals away from each other.

In some embodiments, the internal bolster includes a plurality of petalswhich are held by one or more connectors (e.g. in some embodiments,petals are held between two or more connectors) where disconnecting theconnectors decouples the petals.

FIG. 35A is a simplified schematic side view of an internal bolster 3508including a plurality of petals 3564, according to some embodiments ofthe invention. FIG. 35B is a simplified schematic side view of adismantled internal bolster 3508 including a plurality of petals 3564,according to some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, petals 3564 do not overlap. In some embodiments,each petal overlaps with one or both radially adjacent petals. In someembodiments, axial overlap between petals 3564 is small, for example,less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than 5%, or less than 3%, orlower, or higher, or intermediate percentages, of a petal surface areais in contact with another petal, before dismantling.

Referring back to FIG. 18A, in an exemplary embodiment petals 1864 areseparate, where the inner bolster includes notches 1865 separatingpetals 1864.

In some embodiments, internal bolster 3508 dismantles into a pluralityof parts (e.g. including petals 3564) upon release of a connecting cap3562 which holds portions of the internal bolster together. In someembodiments, one or more part holding portion/s of the internal bolstertogether is rigid.

In an exemplary embodiment, internal bolster portions are held betweentwo rigid parts. Referring back to FIG. 18B, a cap 1862 and connector1834 hold between them internal bolster 1808.

In some embodiments, cap 3562 holds internal bolster petals 3564 onto aninternal bolster shaft 3566 and, in some embodiments, upon removaland/or of cap 3562, petals 3564 are released. In some embodiments,internal bolster shaft 3566 is also a connector to outer tube 3512.Alternatively, in some embodiments, internal bolster shaft 3566 (anoptionally rigid part) attaches to a connector connecting internalbolster 3508 to outer tube 3512. In some embodiments, the internalbolster shaft 3566 hardness is at least 40 shore A, for example 50 shoreA, 60 shore A, 70 shore A or 90 shore A. In some embodiments having arigid internal bolster shaft 3566 allows for example, to resist bendingand/or twisting of the internal bolster 3508 moves through the esophagusinto the stomach lumen.

Exemplary Dismantling Using a Tool

In some embodiments, dismantling of the internal bolster is by use of atool. In some embodiments, a tool engages a connector connectingportions of the inner bolster, for example, disconnecting and/orloosening the connector, for example, by withdrawing and/or applyingpressure and/or torque to the connector.

In some embodiments, cap 3562 is detached from petals 3564 and/or froman internal bolster shaft 3566 by a tool inserted through outer tube3512 or inner tube 3514.

In some embodiments, a tool accesses a hollow within a connector andapplies a force (e.g. a torque) to the connector via the hollow (e.g.hollow 2291 FIG. 22, 2391 FIG. 23).

In some embodiments, an outer tube and/or an inner tube portion includea separate channel for insertion of a dismantling tool. FIG. 36 is asimplified section view of a portion of an internal bolster including atool channel 3674 for a dismantling tool 3668, according to someembodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, channel 3674 iswithin inner tube 3612. Alternatively, in some embodiments, inner tubeportion (e.g. 216, e.g. as described herein) includes two channels, afirst channel for food and a second channel for insertion and/or guidingof a dismantling tool.

Exemplary Dismantling by Breaking an Attachment Element

In some embodiments, dismantling is by breaking of a cap attachment3670. In some embodiments, cap attachment 3670 is broken by pressureapplied by a tool 3668. In some embodiments, once cap attachment 3670 isbroken, the tool is inserted further towards the lumen, for example,detaching cap 3662 from attachment 3670. In some embodiments, caphingendly opens e.g. around an interlocked portion 3676, for example,before disengaging from other parts of the internal bolster (e.g. petals3664).

In some embodiments, tool 3668 is a part sized and shaped for insertioninto channel 3674. In some embodiments, tool 3668 is a readily availablemedical tool, for example, a needle (e.g. syringe needle). In someembodiments, cap attachment 3670 is broken by application of hydraulicpressure (e.g. applied by a syringe). For example tool channel 3674 mayrun along and/or parallel to a feeding tube 3614.

In some embodiments, an inner tube portion is shaped to accommodate toolchannel 3674. FIG. 37A is a simplified schematic side view of an innertube portion 3716 where inner tube 3714 is non-cylindrical, according tosome embodiments of the invention. In this embodiment, tool channel 3774is defined in a space between the outer tube (not illustrated) and innertube 3714.

In some embodiments, an inner tube portion inlet includes a tool guide.FIG. 37B is a simplified schematic of an inner tube inlet including atool guide 3678, according to some embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments, a plurality of tool guides is disposed along a length ofthe outer tube. Alternatively, in some embodiments, FIG. 37B illustratesan inner tube portion including two channels, a feeding channel 3702 anda tool channel 3774.

Exemplary Turn Mechanism Dismantling

In some embodiments, an internal bolster is dismantled by turning and/orrotating a part with respect to another part, for example, by rotating(e.g. unscrewing) an internal bolster cap (e.g. 3562), for example, froma connector (e.g. 3566).

FIG. 38A is a simplified schematic section view of an internal bolsterwith a screw dismantling mechanism, according to some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 38B is a simplified schematic side view of a screw dismantlingmechanism tool 3868, according to some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, thread 3880 on a chamber within internal bolster,for example, within an internal bolster cap (e.g. cap 3862) matchesthread 3882 on tool 3868. In some embodiments, to dismantle internalbolster 3808, tool 3868 is inserted through a tube (e.g. an inner and/orouter tube), and rotated to dismantle internal bolster 3808.

In an exemplary embodiment, a tool for dismantling an internal bolsterincludes applies a torque onto a top portion 3993 of the internalbolster. FIG. 39 is a simplified schematic of a portion of a bolster andan expanding dismantling tool 3968, according to some embodiments of theinvention. A dash-dot line illustrates an exemplary axis of symmetry ofthe device. In some embodiments, during insertion of dismantling tool3968 arms 3967 of the tool are elastically compressed, once the armsexit outer tube the arms expand and a user applies torque to the top ofthe internal bolster by pulling and rotating the tool. In someembodiments, arms fit into a screw drive 3991 (e.g. two arms fit into aslot screw drive, four arms fit into a Phillips head screw drive).

In some embodiments, a tool including one or more expanding portion isused to apply force (e.g. not only torque) to the top of the internalbolster.

FIG. 40A is a simplified schematic side view of a disassembly tool 4068,according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 40B is a simplifiedschematic side view of a disassembly tool inserted into an internalbolster, according to some embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments, a torque multiplier is attached to disassembly tool toincrease the torque which is applied. In some embodiments, disassemblytool 4068 includes a connector for attachment 4068 a to a torquemultiplier.

In some embodiments, disassembled portions of the internal bolster areremoved from the stomach by pulling on element/s attached to theinternal bolster portions. FIG. 41A is a simplified schematic side viewof an internal bolster where each petal 4164 of the internal bolster isattached, according to some embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments, internal bolster 4408 is a single piece includingseparations 4188 a between petals 4164 where, in some embodiments,separations extend but do not reach a central area 4410 c of the innerbumper. In some embodiments, separations 4188 a are cut into innerbumper 4408 after the inner bumper is formed as a single piece.

FIG. 41B illustrates removal of disassembled internal bolster portionsthrough an outer tube 4112 by pulling, force P on an elongated element(not illustrated) according to some embodiments of the invention.

Alternatively in some embodiments, internal bolster petals 4164 areattached one to another by connectors, for example, each petal isattached to adjacent petals by connectors (e.g. hinges and/or flexibleportions which allow the petals to disassemble from each other) and, forexample, a single petal is attached to an elongated element used towithdraw a chain of connected petals. In some embodiments, petalconnectors are of the same material as the petals. Alternatively, insome embodiments, petal connectors are of different material to thepetals.

Also illustrated in FIG. 41A are hollows 4191 (e.g. screw drive) of arotation disassembly mechanism.

In some embodiments, the internal bolster is dismantled by pulling onone or more elongated element 4188.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the internal bolster is sufficientlyflexible to be removed by pulling on the tube from outside the stomach.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the device is dismantled during anendoscopic procedure where, for example, the internal bolster isdetached from the tube and, is optionally then removed through theesophagus or the internal bolster attached to the tube is removedthrough the esophagus.

Installation Exemplary Method of Installation

FIG. 42 is a flow chart of a method of ostomy device installation,according to some embodiments of the invention.

At 4201, a stoma between a lumen (e.g. stomach) and an outer abdominalsurface of the patient is created, for example, using an endoscopicprocedure and/or laparoscopy. Alternatively, in some embodiments, astoma is pre-existing.

In some embodiments, a stoma by making an initial channel with a needle(or other narrow instrument) and creating a stoma by pulling a dilatorthrough the initial channel. In an exemplary embodiment a dilator isconnected to one or more portion of the ostomy device and, for example,as the dilator is pulled through patient tissue, portions of the deviceare installed (e.g. outer tube is installed into the stoma).

In some embodiments, a dilator is pulled and/or pushed through patienttissue and the tube is then inserted into the stoma.

At 4202, one or more portion of the ostomy device is inserted into thelumen (e.g. 104), for example, into the stomach by way of the esophagus.In some embodiments, one or more portion of the ostomy device and/or adilator and/or pushing device are inserted into the lumen prior tocreation of a stoma. In some embodiments, the pushing device is aguiding element which is sized and shaped to allow, for example to guideat least part of the ostomy device from the stomach lumen to the outersurface of the body through the stoma. Optionally, the pushing device isconfigured to push aside tissue as it passes through the stoma. In someembodiments, an internal bolster (e.g. 108) and optionally an outer tube(e.g. 112) are inserted into the lumen (e.g. 104).

In some embodiments, an internal bolster has hinged and/or flexibleand/or elastic portions (e.g. petals as described herein) which movetowards each other to contact a cross section of the bolster, forexample, allowing the bolster to be inserted into the lumen through theesophagus.

FIG. 49A is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an innerbolster 4908 attached to an outer tube 4912 being inserted through anesophagus 4986, according to some embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments, petals 4964 bend and/or rotate towards each other,optionally elastically, contracting a cross section of inner bolster4908.

FIG. 49B is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an innerbolster 4908 attached to an outer tube 4912 where the outer tube isinstalled within a stoma 4905, according to some embodiments of theinvention.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the internal bolsteris inserted into the stomach (e.g. through the esophagus) in severalportions and the portions are then assembled within the stomach.

In some embodiments, the outer tube is also inserted into the stomach(e.g. through the esophagus), the outer tube is then attached to theinternal bolster. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the internalbolster attached to the outer tube is inserted into the stomach throughthe esophagus.

At 4204, in some embodiments, the outer tube is inserted into the stoma(e.g. as described above). In some embodiments, the outer tube(previously inserted into the lumen) is pushed and/or pulled through thesurgically created stoma from the stomach.

In some embodiments, the tube is pulled through the stoma by pulling onone or more elongated element, (e.g. including wire and/or cord and/orcable and/or thread) coupled to the outer tube. In some embodiments,once the outer tube is in position, the elongated element is removedfrom the outer tube.

In some embodiments, a pushing device which is too large to be pulledthrough the outer tube is used to pull the outer tube (and optionally aninternal bolster attached to the outer tube) through the stoma. In someembodiments, the pushing device is a guiding element which is sized andshaped to allow, for example to guide at least part of the ostomy devicefrom the stomach lumen to the outer surface of the body through thestoma. In some embodiments, once the outer tube is in position, thepushing device is removed from the lumen (e.g. by pulling on anelongated component connected to the pushing device and extending out ofthe esophagus). FIG. 43 is a simplified schematic cross sectional viewof an outer tube 4312 being pulled into a stoma 4305 by a pushing device4380, according to some embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments a pulling force, F is applied to elongated element 4382 a bya user to pull outer tube 4312 into position. In some embodiments asecond elongated element 4382 b is attached to pushing device 4380 andis used to extract pushing device 4380 from the patient (e.g. throughthe esophagus).

In some embodiments pushing elongated element 4305 (where elongatedelement optionally includes a dilator with a tapered portion) attachesto pushing device 4380 by a screw mechanism or a different connectionmechanism e.g. snap lock, e.g. gluing.

In some embodiments, a single elongated element is used to pull thepushing device for insertion of the outer tube and is used to remove thepushing device from the lumen. FIG. 44A is a simplified schematic sideview of a pushing device 4480, according to some embodiments of theinvention. FIG. 44B is a simplified schematic side view of a pushingdevice 4480 threaded with an elongated element 4482, according to someembodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, change in directionof elongated element 4482 within pushing device 4480 is sufficient tohold the pushing device in position on the elongated element allowingthe device to be moved by pulling on either end of elongated element4282.

In some embodiments, channels within pushing device 4480 change inradius along a length of the pushing device. In some embodiments,pushing device 4480 includes two components, A and B, where A plugs intoB, channels C illustrated in fitting into plugs of D (or plugs C fittinginto channels D). In some embodiments B fits into the tube and A plugsinto portion B.

In some embodiments, the outer tube includes a sharp end and/or a sharpattachment is fitted to the outer tube and/or a tapered portion (alsoherein termed dilator), and the stoma is created by the insertion of theinner tube.

In some embodiments, a portion of a pushing device is sized to protrudefrom the outer tube. FIG. 45A is a simplified schematic side view of apushing device 4580 including a tapered end 4584, according to someembodiments of the invention. FIG. 45B is a simplified schematic sideview of a pushing device within an outer tube 4512 attached to aninternal bolster 4508 where a portion of the pushing device protrudesthrough the outer tube, according to some embodiments of the invention.In some embodiments, tapered end 4584 which protrudes from outer tube4512 gradually opens and/or dilates stoma as the outer tube is inserted,for example reducing trauma of installation of the device on the stoma.

FIG. 46A is a simplified schematic side view of a pushing device 4680,according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 46B is a simplifiedschematic side view of a pushing device within an outer tube 4612attached to an internal bolster 4608 where a portion of the pushingdevice protrudes through the outer tube, according to some embodimentsof the invention.

In some embodiments, pushing device 4680 attaches to portions of thedevice using a screw attachment or other type of attachment optionallyother than sizing (e.g. snap-lock connection, adhesion etc.). In someembodiments, pushing device 4680 includes thread 4681, for example, forscrew-mechanism attachment for attachment to a portion of the device(e.g. inner bolster 4608). Alternatively, in some embodiments,additional or alternative connection between the pushing device and thedevice are employed, e.g. snap lock, gluing.

In some embodiments, an incision is made from the stomach to the outerabdominal surface of a patient with a threaded needle. A loop 4683 (e.g.of thread, wire, cord) is attached to a suture and pulled through theincision, a tapered end 4484 (also herein termed “dilator”) of thepushing device acting as a dilator, dilating tissue e.g. to create astoma.

At, 4206, in some embodiments, an outer tube within the stoma isconnected to a bolster. In some embodiments, once the outer tube is inposition the external bolster is attached to the outer tube.

FIG. 47 is a simplified schematic side view of an ostomy device 4700where an external bolster 4710 is being attached to an outer tube 4712,according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments,pulling force F1 applied to an external element and a pushing force F2acting on external bolster 4710 act to connect outer tube 4712(optionally connected to an internal bolster 4708) to external bolster4710 e.g. with a by an interference mechanism (e.g. push-lockmechanism). Alternatively, in some embodiments other forces are appliedto connect components e.g. torque to connect components with screwconnectors.

In some embodiments, the internal bolster is attached to the outer tubeafter the tube is inserted into the stoma. The external bolster is thenconnected to the outer tube.

In some embodiments, the outer tube is not inserted into the stoma fromthe lumen, the outer tube (optionally pre-attached to an externalbolster) is inserted from outside the patient into the stoma, and, insome embodiments, the internal bolster is then connected to the tube.FIG. 48 is a simplified schematic section view of device installationincluding insertion of an outer tube 4812 into a stoma 4805, accordingto some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, outer tube4812 and an internal bolster 4808 are connected by concurrent insertionof the outer tube 4812 into stoma 4805 by applying a force F2 andpulling by a force F1 applied to an elongated element 4882.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, outer tube 4812 is inserted into astoma, from outside the patient, followed by connection of bolsters tothe outer tube.

In some embodiments, an internal bolster connected to an outer tube isinserted into the stomach through the esophagus in a first direction(bolster first) with respect to the esophagus walls and then rotatedinside the stomach for insertion in the opposite direction (outer tubefirst) to first direction (with respect to the stoma walls).

In some embodiments, the internal bolster is permanently attached (e.g.glue and/or injection molding) to the tube and/or internal bolster andouter tube are one part.

FIG. 49C is a simplified schematic cross sectional view of an internalbolster 4908 connected to an outer tube 4912 being inserted through anesophagus 4986, according to some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, one or more portion of internal bolster 4908 bendsand/or pivots (e.g. one or more petal is hingendly attached) contractsunder pressure exerted by walls of the esophagus 4986. In an exemplaryembodiment, petals 4964 elastically deflect towards outer tube 4912.

In some embodiments, once an internal bolster connected to an outer tube(e.g. 4912 and 4908) reach the lumen (e.g. stomach) the internal bolsterconnected to the outer tube is positioned and inserted into a stoma,tube first. FIG. 49D is a simplified schematic cross sectional view ofan outer tube 4912 within a stoma connected to an internal bolster 4908,according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 49B illustrates aninner bolster 4908 where the bolster contacts patient tissue (stomachwall) at a distance from an opening of stoma 4905 into the stomach.

Returning now to FIG. 42, at 4208, once the body of the device isinstalled, an inner tube portion is inserted.

Exemplary Materials

In some embodiments, an internal bolster and/or external bolster and/orouter tube (e.g. as described here) include and/or, and the internalbolster and/or outer tube optionally includes material in one or moreportion. In some embodiments, an inner tube portion includes siliconeand/or polyurethane, optionally with radiopaque material in one or moreportion. In some embodiments, rigid portion/s of the device for example,connectors (e.g. as described herein) include plastic/s, for exampleacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate(PC), polyethylene (PE).

Exemplary Detailed Method of Use

FIGS. 50A-50B are flow charts of a method of use of an ostomy device,according to some embodiments of the invention.

At 5002, in some embodiments, a stoma is surgically created between adesired lumen (e.g. stomach) and a patient outer abdominal surface. Insome embodiments, the stoma site measured (e.g. a stoma position isselected based on measurement), for example, imaging, e.g. ultrasoundand/or endoscopy and/or CT and/or MRI and/or X-ray imaging.

At 5004, in some embodiments, the surgically created stoma is measured,optionally during creation of the stoma, for example, a length of thestoma is measured. In some embodiments, during surgical creation of thestoma, an element (e.g. needle) is inserted between the stomach and theouter abdominal surface of the patient. In some embodiments, markings onthe needle (e.g. numbers, different colors) are used to measure thestoma (e.g. a stoma length). In some embodiment, measurement is takenfrom within the lumen (e.g. using endoscopic visualization) and/or fromoutside the patient. In some embodiments, the needle is anchored insidethe stomach and measurement of a stoma length (e.g. using markings onthe needle) is only taken at the abdominal outer surface of the patient.In some embodiments, a sheath with markings is inserted into the stoma,and measurement is made using the markings on the sheath. In anexemplary embodiment, a needle within a sheath (the sheath includingmarkings) is inserted into tissue. In some embodiments, measurement ofthe stoma is alternatively or additionally made during imaging.

At 5006, in some embodiments, a device is selected, optionally based onmeasurement of the stoma. In some embodiments, a length of an outer tubeis selected based on measurements, for example, of the stoma lengthand/or of patient anatomy around the stoma (e.g. stoma site). In someembodiments, a length of the outer tube is selected to approximately fora length of the stoma, for example, a length of the tube being 10% or20% or 30% or 40% longer or shorter than the stoma. In some embodiments,a length of the tube is selected to be longer than the stoma, forexample % or 20% or 30% or 40% longer, for example, to allow forswelling of tissue surrounding the stoma. In some embodiments a sizeand/or shape and/or type of inner and external bolster are selectedbased on measurement and/or on treatment type and/or other patientparameters. In some embodiments, the device is selected based on an ageand/or weight of a patient and/or prescribed feeding protocol (e.g.time, amount) and/or prescribed feed type.

At 5008, in some embodiments, one or more portion of the device (e.g. asdescribed herein) is inserted into a desired patient lumen (e.g. thestomach).

At 5010, in some embodiments, the outer tube is inserted into the stoma.Optionally, in some embodiments insertion of the outer tube into patienttissue creates and/or or dilates the stoma.

At 5012, in some embodiments, one or both bolsters are attached to tube,where at least one bolster is attached to the tube after the tube isinserted into the stoma.

At 5014, in some embodiments axial dimensions of the device areadjusted, for example, compensating for miss-match between a length ofthe outer tube and length of the stoma. For example, in someembodiments, position of an inner bolster and/or outer bolster arechanged with respect to the outer tube, thereby changing a minimumdimension between the bolsters. In some embodiments, compensating is byup to 2 mm, or up to 5 mm, or up to 10 mm, or lower, or higher, orintermediate values or ranges.

At 5016, the device is optionally adjusted and/or self adjusts, forexample to fit the patient. Optionally, the device may be passivelyadjusted (e.g. self adjusting) and/or actively adjusted. For example thedistance between an inner and an outer bolster (e.g. the axial extent ofthe device) may be lengthened and/or shortened. Alternatively oradditionally, an angle between a bolster and an axis of a tube may beadjusted. Alternatively or additionally, a radial extent of a petaland/or a radial distance between a stoma and a contact zone of a petaland tissue may be adjusted.

In some embodiments, the axial dimension of the device may be adjusted.For example, as described in FIGS. 27, 28A-28D, 29A-29B, 30, 31A-31B and32A-32B.

In some embodiments, one or more bolsters may be adjusted be mounted ona variable angle joint. For example, the bolster may passively adjustitself to balance pressure around the stoma. Alternatively oradditionally, the bolster may be actively adjusted. For example, avariable angle joint may have a control mechanism. Optionally a user mayset the angle of the bolster according the needs (for example due to theanatomy of the patient and/or the placement of the stoma). After theangle of the bolster has been set, the bolster may be tightened toretain it at the chosen angle.

In some embodiments the width and/or the stiffness of a bolster and/oran associated petal and/or a force of a bolster on the patient and/oraround the stoma may be adjusted. For example, petals may be elastic andself adjust to the shape of the surface of the tissue around the stoma.Alternatively or additionally, there may be a mechanism to tighten orloosen a bolster and/or a petal thereof. For example a threaded elementand/or a wedge may be used to change the angle at which a petal extendsfrom a bolster.

In some embodiments a bolster may be adjusted in use to temporarilyreduce pressure at a certain location (for example where there isswelling and/or sensitivity and/or infection and/or a sore).Alternatively or additionally, a device may be adjusted prior placementand/or during placement according to the particular characteristics of apatient that are known and/or have been measured.

In some embodiments, an inner tube is inserted into the outer tube,forming a channel between outside the patient and the lumen. In someembodiments, the inner tube extends through the stomach into thejejunum. In some embodiments, the inner tube during and/or afterinsertion, is connected to the external bolster. In some embodiments anopening of the tube (for example the outer opening) may be attached to,covered by and/or within the bolster (for example the external bolster).Alternatively or additionally a tube may extend through a bolster. Forexample the inner tube may extend outward through the external bolster.For example the inner tube may extend outward from the patient less than1 cm and/or between 1 cm to 1 m and/or between 1 m to 5 m or further.

In some embodiments, insertion and/or positioning of parts of the deviceinto the lumen and/or stoma is assisted by imaging e.g. endoscopicimaging, ultrasound imaging. In some embodiments, one or more portion ofthe device includes radiopaque material and/or radiopaque marker/s andimaging includes, e.g. X-ray and/or CT and/or MRI.

At 5018, in some embodiments, the patient is fed, at discrete feeds orcontinuously by attaching a food reservoir to the ostomy device, suchthat, at 5020, food flows from the reservoir into the patient throughthe inner tube. In some embodiments, a food pump controls dispensing offood from the food reservoir into the patient.

At 5022, in some embodiments, various care protocols are performed by acaregiver and/or the patient e.g. periodically, for example, in someembodiments, the device is rotated (e.g. by rotating the outer bolster)periodically, for example to prevent encapsulation of the inner bolsterinto the lumen (e.g. stomach inner wall), for example, to changeportions of tissue under pressure from the inner and/or outer bolster.For example, in some embodiments, an outer portion of the device isperiodically cleaned.

In some embodiments, fit of the device to the patient anatomy isperiodically checked and/or adjusted.

For example, in some embodiments, freedom of movement of the device insitu is manually checked, in order to ascertain what level of pressurethe inner bolster is applying to the lumen inner wall. In someembodiments, points of contact of the outer bolster and/or tissue aroundand/or under the outer bolster and/or a level of elastic deflection ofouter bolster is visually checked to ascertain pressure levels of thebolster/s on patient tissue (e.g. outer abdominal surface and/or stomachlining).

For example, in some embodiments, upon patient weight change and/or achange in level of tissue swelling and/or signs of physiologicallyunacceptable pressure between patient tissue and the device, a minimumaxial separation between bolsters is adjusted (e.g. as describedherein), for example, by a caregiver.

In some embodiments, the inner tube is flushed and/or massaged toprevent blockage.

At 5024, in some embodiments, the inner tube is removed and the cleanedand/or replaced while the bolsters and outer tube remain in positionwithin the patient.

At 5026, for example, when an ostomy device is no longer required and/orwhen the ostomy device requires replacement, the inner bolster isdismantled by disassembling the inner bolster into a plurality ofportions. In some embodiments, the dismantled portions of the internalbolster are free within the lumen (e.g. stomach), for example, thenpassing through the digestive system. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the disassembled portions are then removed from the lumen(e.g. by pulling through the stoma).

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the internal bolster is sufficientlyflexible to be removed by pulling on the tube from outside the stomach.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the device is dismantled during anendoscopic procedure where, for example, the inner bolster is detachedfrom the tube and, is optionally then removed through the esophagus orthe inner bolster attached to the tube is removed through the esophagus.

At 5028, in some embodiments, the outer tube and outer bolster are thenremoved. In some embodiments, the stoma then naturally closes.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the stoma is then surgically closed.Alternatively, in some embodiments, a new ostomy device is installed.

In some embodiments, the ostomy device (e.g. as described herein) isused for purposes other than PEG feeding. For example, jejunum feeding,collection of waste from the colon, connection of two internal lumens.

FIG. 51 is a photograph of a device inserted at an angle throughsimulated tissue in accordance with some embodiments of the currentinvention. Optionally the device includes an external bolster attachedby variable angle joint to a tube. In some embodiments, a PEG device mayinclude a variable angle joint, for example a ball joint. Optionally,the ball joint may join an outer bolster base 5110 and/or petals 5199 a,5199 b and 5199 c to a tube 5102. Optionally petals 5199 a, 5199 band/or 5199 c contact a surface 5106 of tissue 5104. For example, petals5199 a, 5199 b and/or 5199 c may prevent bolster 5100 and/or tube 5102from being pulled into the stoma. Alternatively or additionally, one ormore extensions may contact a surface 5106 of tissue 5104. For example,the extension may prevent bolster 5100 and/or tube 5102 from beingpulled into the stoma. For example an extension may have a dome shape.

In some embodiments, a variable angle joint may improve the fit of abolster 5100 to an outer surface 5106 of a patient. For example,sometimes an opening, a stoma and/or a tube 5102 may pass through tissue5104 at an acute angle 5151 a to surface 5106. The ball joint may allowadjustment of an angle 5151 b between an axis 5153 b of bolster 5100 andan axis 5153 a of tube 5102. Optionally rotation of the variable anglejoint may at least partially compensate for the difference between angle5151 b and a line normal to surface 5106. For example compensation makeaxis 5153 b of bolster 5100 closer than axis 5153 a of tube 5102 to anormal to surface 5106.

FIGS. 52 and 53 are perspective and cross sectional views of a devicewith a pivoting external bolster inserted at an angle to an externalbody surface in accordance with some embodiments of the currentinvention. In some embodiments bolster base 5110 has the form of a skirtthat rotates over a ball joint 5255 over a range of angles.

In some embodiments angle 5151 b may be passively adjusted to equalizethe force on petals 5199 a, 5199 b and 5199 c. For example, base 5110may float freely on joint 5255. Optionally, when there is an increasedforce on one of the petals 5199 a, 5199 b or 5199 c the excess forcewill create a torque rotating bolster 5100 away from that side. Theresulting rotation optionally balances the forces on the petals 5199 a,5199 b and 5199 c. Optionally angle 5151 b between bolster 5100 and axis5153 a may help compensate for short term changes in surface 5106, forexample swelling on one side of the stoma. Alternatively oradditionally, there may be a biasing mechanism that biases the bolsterto a certain position, for example coaxial to the tube. For example anelastic element for example a spring and/or an elastomeric element maybias the angle such that deflections from the biased angle requireprogressively more force for progressively larger deflections.

In some embodiments, friction between bolster base 5110 and joint 5255may be chosen to allow movement to compensate for variations in angle5151 a of axis 5153 a of tube 5102 and surface 5106 but to avoidshifting of tube 5102. Optionally, friction between bolster base 5110and joint 5255 may be low allowing compensation to short term movementsfor example due to movement of the patient and/or due to movement ofinternal organs of the patient. Alternatively or additionally, avariable angle joint may include an adjustment mechanism. For example,an adjustment mechanism may tighten the joint making it resist changingits angle once set. For example, the adjustment mechanism may include atightening means such as a screw. For example the adjustment mechanismmay limit the angular range of the bolster.

FIG. 54 is a block diagram of an adjustable bolster 5100 in accordancewith an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, one ormore extensions 5499 a, 5499 b are attached to a bolster base 5410. Base5410 optionally swivels on a joint 5455. Joint 5455 is optionallyattached to a tube 5402.

In some embodiments, when bolster 5400 is in use, tube 5402 passesthrough a stoma and/or an opening in tissue 5404. Optionally extensions5499 a, 5499 b contact a surface of tissue 5404 and/or prevent bolster5400 from being pulled into the stoma and/or the opening.

In some embodiments, swiveling bolster 5400 may allow it to adjust to asurface of tissue 5404. For example, if tube 5402 is at an angle to thesurface of tissue 5404, bolster 5400 may swivel so that a plane ofextensions 5499 a, 5499 b is parallel to the surface. For example,bolster 5400 may swivel so that an axis of bolster 5400 is perpendicularto the surface of tissue 5404.

Optionally an adjustor 5493 mediates the connection between bolster base5410 and joint 5455. For example adjuster 5493 may include a screw thatwhen tightened increase a force of contact and/or a coefficient offriction between joint 5455 and base 5410. Increasing friction may forexample fix the position of base 5410 with respect to joint 5455hindering further swiveling. Alternatively or additionally, adjuster5493 may allow swiveling, but increase a resistance thereto.

In some embodiments, a tube 5402 may be flexible. For example, swivelingof bolster 5400 around joint 5455 may compensate for an angle between anouter axis of tube 5402 and a normal to the surface of tissue 5404.Alternatively or additionally, tube 5402 may be rigid and/or have aright cylindrical form.

Measuring Tissue Placing Outer Tube

FIG. 55A is a flow chart illustration of a measuring the depth from abase site to a location inside a living organism in accordance with someembodiments of the current invention. For example the device may be usedto measure a distance between two ends of a stoma and/or a port and/or apassageway into living tissue and/or a lumen of living organism.Optionally a marker (optionally including graduations) is inserted intothe organism to the measurement location. For example, the marker mayindicate a distance to a guide element. Optionally the guide element isplaced at a base site. The marker may be positioned by viewing and/orsensing in the lumen. For example, placement of the marker may bewithout stressing the lumen tissue. The distance from the location inthe organism to the base site is optionally measured by reading agraduation of the marker at the location inside the organism. Forexample, the method may be used to measure the length of a stoma and/ora port from an opening outside the lumen to an opening on the inner wallof the lumen.

In some embodiments, an instrument including the graduated marker andthe guide may be supplied 5501. For example the graduated marker may bepositioned on a distal portion of a stylet. The stylet optionallyincludes a pointed distal end. For example the graduated marker may belocated on the stylet proximal to the point. Optionally the guide may belocated on the stylet proximal to the marker. For example, the guide mayinclude a shoulder of the stylet and/or the graduations may indicate adistance between the marker and the shoulder of the stylet. Optionally,the marker may be inserted 5502 into the organism. For example, distalpoint of the stylet and/or the marker may be inserted into the organismin a vicinity of the measurement location for example by piercing ofand/or insertion through tissue surrounding the location.

In some embodiments, the guide may be positioned 5504 at the base site.A graduation on the marker nearest to the location is optionally read5506, indicating the distance from the location to the guide and/or basesite. For example, the stylet may be inserted until the shoulder ispositioned 5504 at a skin insertion site including the base site. Agraduation nearest the location to be measured inside the organism maybe identified and/or read 5506 to indicate a distance between theinternal location and the base site.

In some embodiments a single device may be used for forming andmeasuring a stoma. For example, the device may include an insertionneedle and a graduated sleeve. The needle point may form the distal tipof the device. Proximal to the point graduations on the sleeve mayindicate a distance to a guide connected to the sleeve proximal to thegraduations. For example, the guide may include a shoulder. Optionallythe needle is used to pierce tissue surrounding a lumen (for example thestomach and/or intestine). The needle and/or marker are optionallyinserted into the lumen. Optionally piercing and inserting form a stomabetween an insertion point on the skin and the lumen. In someembodiments, once the sleeve has entered the lumen, the needle point maybe pulled back into the sleeve, for example to prevent the needle pointfrom further puncturing the lumen.

In some embodiments, the sleeve is inserted until a guide of the devicereaches an insertion point on an outer surface (e.g. skin) of thesubject. For example, the guide may include a proximal shoulder of thedevice and/or the device may be fully inserted until the shoulder isadjacent to (e.g. flush to) the skin surface. Alternatively oradditionally, a guide may include a second set of graduations(indicating, for example how far the sleeve has been inserted into thesubject). The sleeve is optionally partially inserted into the subjectuntil the second set of graduations is adjacent to the skin of thesubject.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the sleeve protruding into thelumen may be viewed. For example, an viewing device may be supplied inthe lumen (for example the imaging device may include a camera mountedon an endoscope). The viewing may optionally be from outside (e.g.through an opening during operation on the lumen). The viewing devicemay be used to identify and/or read a marking on the sleeve closest tothe lumen wall. The marking may include graduation optionally indicatesthe length of the stoma from the skin surface to the inner wall of thelumen.

In some embodiments, the stoma created in the measuring process and/orthe sleeve may be used for insertion of an ostomy device, for example asdescribed hereinabove in FIGS. 50A-50B. For example, the graduatedmeasurement sleeve may be used as a channel for inserting a drawstringinto the lumen for drawing a pulling device and/or loop into the lumen(for example through a mouth and/or a trachea). For example, the ostomydevice may be passed through and/or placed in the stoma created duringthe measuring. Optionally, a measurement of the length of the stoma, forexample made as described in FIGS. 55A-55B, may be used to select a lowprofile ostomy device. For example, the first device inserted and/oranchored in the stoma (for example the first access port (e.g. PEG tube)inserted into the stoma) may be a low profile device. Optionallymeasuring the stoma and insertion of the initial port (e.g. PEG) may beaccomplished in a single procedure.

In some embodiments, a stoma length may be measured without compressingthe associated tissue. For example, the measurement of stoma length ofuncompressed tissue may be used a safe length for a PEG. For example aPEG fitted to the safe length may fit snugly with no and/or minimaland/or negligible and/or small pressure on the tissue.

In some embodiments, a stoma length may be measured before inserting aPEG device. For example, based on the measurement, an initial PEG deviceplaced during the procedure producing the stoma may be a low profiledevice.

Reference is now made to FIG. 55B depicting a process for measuring thedepth of the stomach lumen from the outer surface of the skin, accordingto some embodiments of the invention.

According to some exemplary embodiments, an endoscope is insertedthrough the esophagus into the stomach at 5530. In some embodiments, theendoscope is connected to a camera for visualizing the inner surface ofthe stomach wall. In some embodiments, the endoscope is inserted toselect a target site for creating a stoma at the stomach wall.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a measurement device having aneedle is inserted through the outer surface of the stomach into thestomach lumen at 5534. In some embodiments, the measurement devicepunctures the stomach wall at a stoma target site that was selectedusing the endoscope. Optionally, the insertion of the measurement devicecreates the stoma opening. In some embodiments, the measurement deviceis inserted until reaching a stopping point on the measurement device.In some embodiments, the stopping point is positioned outside of thebody and optionally marks a measuring reference.

According to some exemplary embodiments, once the stopping point on themeasurement device is in contact with the outer surface of the skin, theneedle within the measurement device is retracted at 5536. In someembodiments, retraction of the needle leaves an empty lumen within themeasurement device.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the markings on the measurementdevice that are positioned within the stomach lumen are visualized at5538. In some embodiments, the markings are visualized from within thestomach lumen by the endoscope. Alternatively, the markings arevisualized by from outside using an imaging technique, for example anx-ray imaging technique, an MRI or CT. In some embodiments, the markingsare color coded markings, optionally with dividing stripes betweenadjacent markings to allow, for example better visualization. In someembodiments each of the color markings encodes for a different depth ordistance from the outer surface of the stoma. Optionally, each of thecolor markings encodes for a different depth or distance from thestopping point of the measurement device.

According to some exemplary embodiments, based on the marking that ispositioned in the closest proximity to the inner surface of the stomachwall, an ostomy device is selected at 5540. In some embodiments, thelength of the selected ostomy device matches the length of the marking,optionally the color coded marking that is visualized to be in theclosest proximity to the inner surface of the stomach wall. In someembodiments, each color coded marking indicates a different length of anouter tube.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a pushing device is insertedinto the stoma at 5542. In some embodiments, the pushing device is aguiding element which is sized and shaped to allow, for example to guideat least part of the ostomy device from the stomach lumen to the outersurface of the body through the stoma. In some embodiments, a leadingthread or a leading wire is inserted from the outside through the stomaand the lumen of the measurement device into the stomach lumen. In someembodiments, the endoscope is connected to the leading thread and pullsthe leading thread out from the mouth. In some embodiments, a looppositioned at a pushing device end is connected to the leading thread.In some embodiments, the leading thread is connected to a loop of adilator of a pushing device, for example dilator 5880 shown in FIG. 58A.In some embodiments, after the connection of the pushing device to theleading thread, the leading thread pulls the pushing device through theesophagus and through the stoma. In some embodiments, the dilator ispulled through the stoma, while the inner bolster is kept inside thestomach lumen.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the leading thread is insertedthrough the lumen of the measurement device into the stomach and isconnected to a pushing device already placed in the stomach.Alternatively, the pushing device is held within the stomach by theendoscope. FIGS. 56A-56C are perspective views of measurement sheathsand inserter needles in accordance with some embodiments of the currentinvention. In some embodiments a distal end of a measurement deviceforms a sharp tip 5601. Optionally the tip is connected to a needleshank 5602. For example, shank 5602 may pass through a sleeve 5605 a.The sleeve optionally includes a tapered distal section 5604. Along thesleeve and/or needle, there may be a graduated section 5606 a. Proximalto graduated section 5606 a there is an optional guide 5610 a.

In some embodiment pointed tip 5601 and/or shank 5601 are optionallyhollow. Alternatively or additionally a pointed tip and/or shank may besolid.

In some embodiments, graduated section 5606 a may include color codedbands. Optionally the bands may be one adjacent to another.Alternatively or additionally, there may be space between the bands.Alternatively or additionally other visible markers may be used such aslines and/or symbols and/or changes in the shape such as protrusionsand/or etched portions and/or indentations. Active graduations may besupplied, for example visible and/or radio beacons may be used.Optionally a device may include multiple resolution graduations. Forexample low resolution color bands may be divided up by high resolutiondivisions for example lines. Multiple resolutions markings may allow formore precise measurements. Markers may include for example numbersand/or symbols.

In some embodiments a guide 5608 a may include a shoulder. For example,at a time of measurement, sheath 5605 a may be inserted through tissueinto a lumen until the shoulder (e.g. guide 5608 a) is flush with theskin of a user. Alternatively or additionally the proximal guide mayinclude a graduated section. For example, the probe is inserted intotissue until a portion of the proximal graduated section is visibleoutside the organism and/or tissue being measured. The proximalgraduation optionally will be read from outside the tissue to indicatewhat portion of the needle was passed into the tissue. Optionally, theremay be a single internal marker (on the distal portion of themeasurement device). The internal marker may be aligned with a locationto be measured. For example, a viewing device (for example an endoscope)may be inserted into a lumen. The measurement device may be insertedthrough the wall of the lumen until the marker is seen through theendoscope flush with the wall of the lumen. With the marker located atthe lumen wall the distance between the marker and the base site may beread from graduations on the proximal side of the measuring device.

In some embodiments a measurement device will be used to measure thelength of a stoma for insertion of a PEG tube. For example, sharp tip5601 and/or sleeve 5605 a are inserted through abdominal skin and/ormuscle and/or other tissue and/or through a stomach wall into a stomachcavity until a distal edge of guide 5608 a is flush with the outerabdominal wall and/or part of graduated portion 5606 a passes throughthe stomach wall into the stomach cavity. Optionally an imaging devicein the stomach is used to identify the color band of graduated portion5606 a that is located at the edge of the inner wall of the stomach. Forexample, the length along sheath from guide 5608 a to the color codedband may be the length of the stoma from the abdominal wall to the innerwall of the stomach. The needle may be removed from sheath 5605 a and/orsheath 5605 a may remain in the stoma for use in installing a PEG. Forexample a guidewire may be inserted through sheath 5605 a into thestomach and/or pulled through the lumen to an opening (e.g. the mouth)where it may be connected to an insertion device (e.g. a dissector anobturator and/or a dilator) and/or a PEG tube which are optionallypulled into the stoma. Alternatively or additionally a marker may be onor in a needle. The marker may be visible through the sheath which isoptionally transparent and/or translucent and/or made of a mesh throughwhich the needle can be seen. The distance may be measured from theguide to the marker on the needle. In some embodiments, since the markeris position in the location through visual sighting and not by a forceon the tissue, the tissue may be measured in an unstressed state.

Optionally in some embodiments measurement segments may be between 6 to8 mm. For example, the length of the measurement segments may match theaxial expandability of the PEG tube. For example for a PEG tube with aflexible bolster as described herein, the flexible bolster may adjustand/or compensate for changes of length of less than 10 mm. For abolster with less ability to compensate, the graduations on themeasurement tool (e.g. the measurement segments e.g. the color bands)may be smaller to get a more precise measurement. For example, theprecision of the measurement may range between 30 to 50% of the axialcompensation ability of the PEG and/or between 50 to 80% and/or between80% to 100% and/or between 100% to 130% of the axial compensationability of the PEG and/or bolsters. Alternatively or additionally ahollow needle may be used as a measuring device without a sheath. Forexample, bands may range between 0 and 1 mm long and/or between 1 to 4mm long and/or between 4 to 8 mm long and/or between 8 to 10 mm and/orbetween 10 to 15 mm long.

In some embodiments a sheath handle 5610 a is provided. For example,handle 5610 a may be used for manipulation, insertion and/or extractionof sheath 5605 a. In some embodiments a needle handle 5612 a isprovided. For example, handle 5612 a may be used for manipulation,insertion and/or extraction of needle tip 5601 and/or shank 5602. FIGS.56B-56C illustrate an alternative embodiment of a measurement tool witha needle fully inserted and partially retracted respectively. Forexample the embodiment of FIGS. 56B-56C may include an alternativegraduation portion 5606 b guide 5608 b and/or sheath handle 5610 band/or needle handle 5612 b.

In some embodiments a measuring device, for example for a PEG stoma, mayinclude a needle of 16G and ranging between 14 to 18G. Optionally sheathmay be 13G and/or range between 11 to 15G. Alternatively, a needle maybe wider and thinner depending of the size of the lumen and thethickness and resistance of its walls for example the needle and sheathmay differ for measuring different organs and/or lumens and/or theneedle may be smaller for children than for adults. For example theneedle may range between 10 to 13G and/or 19 to 22G and/or 22 to 28G.The sheath may range between 1 to 3 G less than the needle. Optionallyfor a PEG stoma a needle and/or sheath may range between 80 to 100 mm inlength and/or between 30 to 80 mm and/or between 100 to 130 mm.

In some embodiments, an endoscope is used to see a marker from insidethe living organism. For example in FIG. 56B an endoscope 5619 is usedto see that a yellow marker is just protruding through in inside wall ofa lumen. The distance between guide 5608 b and the yellow graduation isthe length of the stoma formed through tissue 5620.

According to some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 56C eachmeasurement segment of measuring device 5603, for example measurementssegments 5632 and 5634 have a different distinctive color. In someembodiments, the distinctive color allows, for example to clearlyvisualize the measurement segment color using a visualization deviceplaced in the stomach. Alternatively, each measurement segment has adistinctive pattern and/or shape and/or texture, for example to allowdifferentiation between the measurement segments. In some embodiments, adividing zone 5636 is positioned between the measurement segments toallow, for example a better separation between adjacent segments. Insome embodiments, the dividing zone is a gap between adjacentmeasurement segments. Alternatively the dividing zone has a visiblydistinctive pattern and/or shape and/or color to indicate a separationregion between the adjacent measurement segments.

In some embodiments, the width of each measurement segment is between 2millimeters to 12 millimeters, for example between 2-6 millimeters orbetween 5-8 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the measuring device 5603, in inserted through thestoma until measuring point 5630 is attached to the outer surface of theskin.

In some embodiments, visualizing the measurement segments, allows tomatch an ostomy device with a length that matches the length indicatedby the measurement segment.

In some embodiments, as explained above the, having wide measurementsegments allows, for example to match ostomy device with a length thatmatches a range of measured lengths between the inner surface of thestomach lumen and the outer surface of the skin and not a specificlength. In some embodiments, this allows for example to fix the ostomydevice between the stomach lumen and the outer surface of the skin witha partial movement range to prevent stretching of the tissue orapplication of tension forces on the ostomy device after fixation.

Details of Flexible Resistant Outer Bolster

FIGS. 57A-57B are schematic views of elastic distances in accordancewith some embodiments of the current invention. In some embodimentselastic distances are sized and shaped to provide even pressure betweena bolster and tissue of a subject over significant axial and/orrotational displacements. Optionally, an elastic element may have a formthat distributes stresses evenly along the element. For example, thedistance may have the shape of a petal. The distancer is optionallycurved. For example the distance may be concave towards a tissueinterface and/or concave away from the tissue interface.

In some embodiments, three independent spacers may interact with tissueindependently at contact interfaces distributed radially around abolster. The elastic elements optionally leave a large portion of thearea around the bolster open to allow air circulation. Alternatively oradditionally he bolster may tilt optionally providing compensation forirregular swelling and/or twisting movements and the like. Alternativelyor additionally there may be more or fewer than three spacers. Forexample in some cases a single elastic element may contact the tissue inlocations distributed around the tube. Alternatively or additionally arigid or flexible spacer may be connected to a flexible central bolster(for example the central bolster may be tiltable and/or move axiallyand/or it may be mounted to an elastic member such as a spring.Optionally the flexible central bolster and/or extender may compensatefor tilting of the tube in respect to the tissue, regular or irregularswelling of the tissue and/or axial movement of the tube with respect tothe tissue.

In some cases, movements of a person having a port opening to aninternal tissue or lumen (e.g. a PEG) cause the position of the port tomove with respect to the skin. Alternatively or additionally changes inthe tissue (for example swelling) may cause displacements and tiltingbetween the tissue of a subject and a PEG and/or a bolster. In someembodiments, an elastic spacer is designed to compensate fordisplacements and/or provide even interactive forces between the bolsterand the skin. The compensation is optionally adjusted according to theshape, thickness and/or material properties of the flexible element.Optionally, the elastic element is shaped and sized to allow airflowaround the stoma and/or to space the interface between the skin and theelastic element radially away from the stoma. Examples of elastic spacerelements in accordance with some embodiments are supplied for example bypetals and/or extensions as described herein (for example in FIGS.18A-18C, 28A-28D, 29A-29B, 30, 31A-31B, 51, 52, 53, 54, 57A and 57B).

FIGS. 57A-57B are schematic illustrations of a tube 5723 (e.g. a PEGtube) passing through tissue 5720 of a user and having an externalbolster 5721 including elastic distancing elements 5722 a and 5722 b inaccordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Optionally,elastic elements 5722 a, 5722 b are curved. For example, the curvaturemay distribute stresses evenly along the element. For example stressesmay be caused by displacements of a tissue interface 5726 a, 5726 b withrespect to bolster 5721 and/or tube 5723.

In some embodiments, elastic elements 5722 a and/or 5722 b have asignificant portion 5724 a and/or 5724 b that is aligned to the axis oftube 5723. For example, an aligned portion may be oriented at an angleranging between 0 to 10 degrees and/or between 10 to 30 degrees and/or30 to 60 degrees to the axis of tube (e.g. tube 5723) at a connection(e.g. connection 5728 a or 5728 b) between the tube and the element. Forexample, an aligned portion may include between 10 to 30% and/or between30% to 60% and/or between 60% to 100% of the elastic element.Optionally, axial displacements and/or tilting between tissue 5720 andtube 5723 may be absorbed as axial stress on aligned portion 5724 a or5724 b.

In some embodiments, an elastic element (for example element 5722 a) maybe concave away from tissue 5720. Alternatively or additionally anelastic element (for example element 5722 b) may be concave towardstissue 5720. Alternatively or additionally a elastic element may be wavyand/or angled for example with some sections concave upwards and/ordownward and/or undefined concavity.

In some embodiments, a surface of flexible element (e.g. element 5722 aor 5722 b) may make a non-right angle with an axis of a tube (e.g. 5721)at a connection (for example connection 5728 a or 5728 b). For example,the angle between the flexible element and the axis of the tube at theconnection may range between 0 to 20 degrees and/or between 20 to 45degrees and/or between 45 to 70 degrees and/or between 70 to 80 degrees.For example the angle between the flexible element and a mean outersurface of tissue 5720 at the insertion location may range between 10 to20 degrees and/or between 20 to 45 degrees and/or between 45 to 70degrees and/or between 70 to 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, a flexible element may be curved. Optionally, acurved element may distribute stress and/or strain more evenly than astraight and/or horizontal element (for example similarly to an archthat may distribute stress more evenly than a horizontal lintel). Forexample a path between two points along a curved element may be longerthan a straight line path between the points. For example, a distancealong element 5722 a between connection 5728 a and interface 5726 a islonger than a straight line between connection 5728 a and interface 5726a. For example, a distance along element 5722 b between connection 5728b and interface 5726 b is longer than a straight line between connection5728 b and interface 5726 b. For example, the path along a flexibleelement between the interface and a connector to a tube and/or a bolstermay range between 10% to 15% and/or between 15% to 25% and/or between25% to 50% and/or between 50% to 100% and/or greater than 100% longerthan a straight line path between the connection and the interface. Insome embodiments, distributing the stress along a longer element mayallow an element to compensate for larger displacements (for examplelike a coil spring). Distributing the stress may allow the elasticelement to compensate for larger displacements without buckling.

In some embodiments a flexible element may have an even thickness. Forexample an elastic element may be long and slender and/or flat and thin.Alternatively or additionally, the flexible element may be thickened acertain locations. For example, the element may become thicker wherethere is higher strain. For example, the elastic element may be thickerat a joints and/or a bend. Optionally, the elastic element may bethicker near the connection between the elastic element and the tube(for example element 5722 a may be thicker near connection 5728 a and/orelement 5722 b may be thicker near connection 5728 b). Optionally anelastic element may become thinner as it spreads radially away from thetube.

In some embodiments an elastic element (e.g. element 5722 a and/or 5722b) may be made of silicon. For example an elastic element thickness (forexample the maximum thickness, minimum thickness and/or mean thickness)may range between 1 to 3 mm and/or between 0 to 1 mm and/or between 3 to6 mm and/or between 6 to 10 mm. For example, an element having a stiffskeleton (for example a skeleton of metal optionally including springsteel and/or nitinol) may be thinner for example a silicon element mayfit towards the middle of the spectrum for example a foam element may betowards the thick end of the spectrum and/or thicker.

In some embodiments a significant portion of the surface of tissue in acircular area around tube between the tube and an interface area withthe tissue (for example in a circular area around tube 5723 between tube5723 and interface area 5726 a and/or 5726 b) may be exposed to airand/or may not be covered by spacers. For example, the area exposedand/or uncovered area may range between 5 to 10% of the area of thecircular region and or between 10 to 20% and/or between 20 to 40% and/orbetween 40 to 70%. FIGS. 58A-58B are perspective views of a pushingdevice in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention. Forexample a dilator 5880 is connected to an ostomy device 5800 by aconnector, for example a screw thread 5881. Optionally screw thread 5881attaches to a proximal portion of device 5800. No rigid parts (forexample no part of dilator is inserted into the middle and distal end oftube 4612. Tube 4612 and/or the distal portion of device 5800 areoptionally flexible making them more easily inserted through the mouth,trachea etc. to the stomach or intestines. The less of dilator 5880 isinside tube 4612, the more flexible is tube 4612 and the easier it maybe to insert tube 4612 into the lumen. For example when dilator 5880 isconnected to device 5800, dilator 5880 may be inserted through less than1/10 of tube 4612 and/or between 1/10 to ⅕ and/or between ⅕ to ½ and/orbetween ½ to ⅗. Optionally thread 5881 on dilator 5880 is an externalthread which connects to an internal thread on device 5800.

A Disassembly Tool

FIGS. 59A-59C are perspective views of a disassembly tool 5968 andsocket in accordance with some embodiments of the current invention. Theform of tool 5968 is optionally a wrench head 5969 on a long rod. Theteeth of wrench head 5969 are optionally inclined (for example like aratchet) such that wrench head can be used to turn socket 5970 in onedirection only. For example, this facilitates disassembly, but avoidserroneously tightening the inner bolster making it harder to remove.Socket 5970 is fit on an inner lip and/or ledge of an ostomy device. Theinner lip is small enough to avoid blocking flow and large enough toensure good grip. Optionally the ledge may not completely surround thelumen of the ostomy device thereby allowing good grip for disassemblybut also allowing an inner tube to pass by the lip while stillcontacting the inner walls of the ostomy device lumen at least in someplaces.

An Anti Rotational Bolster Connector

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of an anti rotational connector 6090 foran outer bolster to a tube in accordance with some embodiments of thecurrent invention. For example the connector has an internal screwthread 6091 (for example for connecting to a dilator during insertiontool, an interference element (e.g. a ledge 6092) for connecting to aplastic snap connector on the outer bolster and/or a self aligningbeveled non-slip head (for example a beveled hex head 6093 forpreventing rotation of the bolster with respect to the tube.

Exemplary Ostomy Device with a Flared Tube

Reference is now made to FIGS. 61A and 61B depicting a simplifiedisometric view of an ostomy device having a flared outer tube, accordingto some embodiments of the invention.

According to some exemplary embodiments, an ostomy device, for exampleostomy device 1800 comprises flared outer tube 1852 with a largerdiameter at the distal end 1854, placed inside the stomach. In someembodiments, the flared outer tube positioned at least partially withinthe body allows, for example to minimize the possibility of the flaredtube to be pulled outside from the body by having a tube ending insidethe stomach lumen that is wider than the stoma. In some embodiments, thediameter of the tube ending within the stomach is at least 4% largerthan stoma diameter, for example 5%, 10%, 15% larger.

Exemplary Inner Bolster of an Ostomy Device

Reference is now made to FIGS. 62A-62C depicting an internal bolsterwith at least partly rigid shaft, according to some embodiments of theinvention.

According to some exemplary embodiments, internal bolster 6208 comprisespetals 6254 that are placed in contact with an internal bolster shaft6266, optionally by cap 6252. In some embodiments, the internal bolstershaft 6266 is a rigid shaft. In some embodiments, the internal bolstershaft 6266 hardness level is at least 40 shore A, for example 50 shoreA, 60 shore A or 70 shore A. In some embodiments, a partly rigidinternal bolster shaft allows, for example to push the internal bolsterout from the body with minimal damage to the body tissues.

According to some exemplary embodiments, when attached to internalbolster shaft 6266, petals 6254 are spaced apart from each other. Insome embodiments, the spacing between adjacent petals allows, forexample each petal to apply minimal or no pressure on adjacent petalswhen the petals are in a collapsed and/or in a relaxed state. In someembodiments, each petal of petals 6254 comprises an at least partlyrigid section 6268 at the attachment point of the petal to the internalbolster shaft. In some embodiments, the rigidity of section 6268 is atleast 5% rigidity, for example 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40% rigidity. Insome embodiments, the rigidity of section 6268 allows to limit thebending of petals 6254, for example to ensure that the internal bolsterand petals will not be permanently collapsed when the internal bolsteris pushed through the esophagus.

According to some exemplary embodiments, rib 6265 is positioned betweeneach adjacent petals of petals 6254, when they are connected to theinternal bolster 6208. In some embodiments, the rib 6265 is shaped andsized to at least partially reduce application of forces, for examplefriction forces or torque forces applied by the petals on cap 6252, forexample when the petals bend or twist.

According to some exemplary embodiments, each petal of petals 6254comprises at least a partially rigid section 6269. In some embodiments,the section 6269 is connected to the external bolster 6208 betweengrooves in cap 6252 and grooves in connecting section 6209 of theinternal bolster. In some embodiments, when cap 6252 is released, eachpetal of petals 6254 are release from the connecting section 6209 andthe internal bolster 6208.

Exemplary Inner Tube Portion

Reference is now made to FIGS. 63A-63D depicting an inner tube portionof an ostomy device, according to some embodiments of the invention.

According to some exemplary embodiments, an inner tube portion, forexample inner tube portion 6316 comprises an inner tube upper segment6321 connected to the proximal section 6330 of an inner tube 6314. Insome embodiments, a ring 6324 is connected to the inner tube cap 6322.In some embodiments, ring 6324 comprises buttons 6332, on thecircumference of ring 6324. Optionally, the buttons 6332 are extendingout from the circumference of ring 6324. In some embodiments the buttons6332 are elastic buttons or springy buttons. In some embodiments, whenthe buttons are bend or pressed, ring 6324 is twisted and the inner tubeportion is deflected from the outer tube of the ostomy device. In someembodiments, the buttons 6332 are shaped and sized to be placed withingaps 6326 in the circumference of the inner tube upper segment 6321. Insome embodiments, an inner tube cap 6322, having an opening 6334 isplaced on top of the inner tube section.

In some embodiments, a valve, for example a duckbill valve 6320 ispositioned within ring 6324. In some embodiments, duckbill valve 6320 isconfigured to allow food to be inserted into the inner tube 6314 andinto the stomach lumen, and prevents food to leak outside from the innertube. In some embodiments, the duckbill valve is positioned between theinner tube of a low-profile ostomy device and an external feeding tubethat can be attached and detached from the low-profile ostomy device. Insome embodiments, a low-profile ostomy device is an ostomy device thatprotrudes 10 centimeters at most from the outer surface of the skin, forexample 2, 4, 6 centimeters.

In some embodiments, an outer tube of an ostomy device comprises avalve, for example a duckbill valve. In some embodiments, the duckbillvalve of the outer tube prevents food to leak out from the outer tube,for example to prevent leakage of food out from the stomach when innertube is not in place.

Exemplary External Bolster

Reference is now made to FIGS. 64A-64E, depicting an external bolster ofan ostomy device, according to some embodiments of the invention.

According to some exemplary embodiments, external bolster 6450 is placedinside an external petals ring 6452 which comprises external petals 6499around the circumference of the rigid ring. In some embodiments,external bolster 6450 comprises at least one protruding section 6458extending out from the circumference of the external bolster. In someembodiments, protruding section 6458 of the external bolster 6450 havean outer surface, shaped and sized to increase friction between theexternal bolster 6450 and external petals ring 6452. In someembodiments, increasing the friction between protruding sections 6458and the external petals ring 6452 allows for example, the rotation ofthe external bolster and the ostomy device when rotating the petals ring6452. In some embodiments, the friction between protruding sections 6458and the external petals ring 6452 prevents, for example a relativerotation of the external petals ring 6452 in relation to the externalbolster and/or the ostomy device.

In some embodiments, a cap 6454 is connected to the rigid ring 6452 viaan elastic strap 6456. Optionally cap 6454 is shaped to fit and closeopening 6334 shown in FIG. 63D when an external feeding tube is notconnected.

According to some exemplary embodiments, external bolster 6450 comprisesopenings 6460 at the top circumference. In some embodiments, openings6460 are shaped and sized to allow, for example the attachment andlocking of elastic buttons 6332 of the inner tube portion 6316 shown inFIG. 63C. In some embodiments, the position of openings 6460 allows forexample, to direct the insertion of the elastic buttons 6332, optionallyto a desired position. In some embodiments, each of the openings 6460have a different geometrical shape that match at least one specificelastic button of elastic buttons 6332, to allow for example a specificorientation connection between the elastic buttons 6332 and openings6460.

According to some exemplary embodiments, for example as shown in FIG.64E, the inner circumference of the external bolster has a geometricalshape that allow, for example to prevent the rotation of the outer tubeconnected to the external bolster. In some embodiments, the innercircumference 6462 of the external bolster 6450 is shaped as a polygon,for example as a hexagon. In some embodiments, the inner circumferenceof the external bolster has a matching geometrical shape to theanti-rotation connector of the outer tube, for example the anti-rotationconnector 6090. In some embodiments, when connecting the externalbolster to the anti-rotation connector, a snap connector of the externalbolster, for example snap connector 1802 shown in FIG. 61B snapsunderneath ledge 6092, shown in FIGS. 61B and 60. The interconnectionbetween snap connector 1802 and ledge 6092 prevents the release of theexternal bolster from the outer tube.

In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the anti-rotationconnector includes an inclined portion which is also shaped, to matchthe geometry of the external bolster inner circumference 6462, so as toorientationally guide the bolster to be aligned with theinterconnection. Optionally, the matching geometries are polygonal,optionally with rotational symmetry.

Exemplary High-Profile Ostomy Device

Reference is now made to FIGS. 65A and 65B, depicting a high-profileostomy device, according to some embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments a high-profile ostomy device is an ostomy device thatprotrudes at least 10 centimeters from the outer surface of the body,for example 20 centimeters, 30 centimeters, or intermediate or greaterprotrusions. In some embodiments, a high-profile ostomy device is anostomy device where the connector to the feeding element is located onthe distal of a tube protruding out of the ostomy device or the externalbolster.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a feeding tube is connected toan ostomy device 6510. In some embodiments, the feeding tube isconnected to ostomy device 6510 by an irreversible locking mechanism. Insome embodiments, to disconnect the feeding tube 6512 from the ostomydevice 6510, elastic sections of a snap-fit locking mechanism betweenthe inner tube portion and the external bolster are pressed and thefeeding tube 6512 is released together with the inner tube portion 6520from the ostomy device 6510.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the connection between anexternal feeding tube to the ostomy device is weaker than the connectionof the ostomy device to the body. In some embodiments, the connection ofthe elastic buttons 6332 of the inner tube portion to the externalbolster of the ostomy device is weaker than the connection between thefeeding tube and the inner tube portion. In some embodiments, the weakerconnection between the inner tube portion and the external bolster actsfor example, as a safety mechanism to allow the disconnection of thefeeding tube and the inner tube portion before the ostomy device ispulled out from the ostomy opening in the abdomen.

In some embodiments, the connector or the locking mechanism of the outertube and the internal and/or external bolsters connects the outer tubeto the bolster with a greater pull-out resistance force compared to theconnector or the locking mechanism between the inner tube portion andthe ostomy device.

Exemplary Kit for Direct Stomach Feeding

According to some exemplary embodiments, a kit for direct stomachfeeding comprises an ostomy device and an external feeding tube. In someembodiments, the ostomy device comprises a tube and an internal and/orexternal bolsters for fixing the tube between a stomach lumen and theouter surface of the skin. In some embodiments, the kit comprises aninner tube, configured to be place within the tube. In some embodiments,the external feeding tube is connected to the external bolster or to theouter tube or to the inner tube.

Exemplary Device for Small Intestine Feeding or Stomach Decompression

Reference is now made to FIGS. 65C-65G depicting an ostomy device withan elongated inner tube for small intestine feeding and/or for stomachdecompression, according to some embodiments of the invention.

According to some exemplary embodiments, ostomy device comprises aninner tube portion 6532 having an elongated inner tube 6534 and anexternal tube portion 6536. In some embodiments, the inner tube portion6532 is pushed through the outer tube 6533, until the inner tube portion6532 extends out from the outer tube 6533, for example as shown in FIG.65D. In some embodiments, the inner tube portion is pushed until aninner tube cap 6536 is locked within an external bolster 6538, forexample as shown in FIG. 65E. In some embodiments, the length of theelongated inner tube is at least 5 centimeters, for example 5, 10, 15,30, centimeters.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the inner tube 6534 of theostomy device 6530 is shaped and sized to extend from stomach 6539 intothe small intestine. In some embodiments, the inner tube 6534 is placedwithin the small intestine, with the inner tube end 6537 is positionedin the jejunum 6542 or in the duodenum 6540. In some embodiments,placing the end of the inner tube within the small intestine allows, forexample feeding directly into the small intestine, optionally bypassingthe stomach.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the inner tube 6534 of theostomy device, is positioned with the inner tube end 6537 inside thestomach. In some embodiments, the inner tube end 6537 is positionedabove stomach content level 6546, for example as shown in FIG. 65G. Insome embodiments, placing the inner tube end 6537 above the stomachcontent level allows, for example to decompress the stomach optionallyby allowing gas to exit from the body through the ostomy device.

Exemplary Process of Stomach Content Aspiration

Reference is now made to FIG. 66A depicting a process of stomach contentaspiration, according to some embodiments of the invention.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a subject is eating at 6630. Insome embodiments, after the subject finishes eating, the external end ofan ostomy device is opened at 6632. In some embodiments, the externalend of the ostomy device is opened during eating. In some embodiments,the external tube of an ostomy device is opened at 6632. In someembodiments, the external tube is opened after a pre-determined timefrom the eating. In some embodiments, the pre-determined time isadjusted according to the composition of food that the subject ateand/or according to nutritional parameters of the food. Optionally, thepre-determined time is adjusted according to the amount of food thesubject ate.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a motor is connected to agrinder of the inner tube at 6634. In some embodiments, the motoractivates the grinder, for example to grind the stomach content. In someembodiments, the motor activates the grinder for a pre-determined timeperiod. In some embodiments, the grinding time period is adjustedaccording to the amount of food and/or according to the stomach contentcomposition. Optionally, the grinding time is adjusted according to thetime passed from the finishing of the eating at 6630. In someembodiments, the motor pumps out the stomach content.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a pump is connected to theinner tube at 6636, for example to allow pumping out the stomachcontent.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the stomach content is drainedat 6638. In some embodiments, the stomach content is drained through theinner tube. Optionally the stomach content is drained through a drainingtube connected to the inner tube. In some embodiments, the stomachcontent is drained into a waste reservoir connected to the drainingtube. In some embodiments, the stomach content is drained until thedesired amount and/or weight of content is drained out from the body.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the inner tube is replaced at6640. In some embodiments, the inner tube is replaced, for example iffood at least partly blocks the inner tube lumen.

Exemplary Stomach Content Aspiration Device

Reference is now made to FIG. 66B, depicting a stomach content drainingdevice, according to some embodiments of the invention.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a stomach content drainingdevice 6602 comprises an outer tube 6605 inserted through body wall 6604into stomach 6603, and an inner tube 6606 positioned within the outertube 6605. In some embodiments, the inner tube 6606 comprises a filter6608, for example a basket connected to the distal end of the inner tube6606 that is placed inside the stomach 6603. In some embodiments, thefilter is at least partially permeable to food.

According to some exemplary embodiments, inner tube 6606 is at least 5%more rigid compared to the outer tube 6605, for example 10%, 20%, 30%,50% more rigid. In some embodiments, inserting a rigid inner tube into aflexible outer tube stretches the outer tube.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the outer tube 6605 comprisesan inner stomach valve 6642. In some embodiments, the inner stomachvalve comprises a flat valve configured to prevent food from entry intothe outer tube 6605 if inner tube 6606 is not present. In someembodiments, when inner tube 6606 is pushed through outer tube 6605,inner tube 6606 opens the valve towards the stomach lumen.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a grinder 6610 is positionedwithin the inner tube 6606. In some embodiments, upon activation thegrinder grinds the content of the stomach and/or the content of thestomach that is found within the inner tube 6606. In some embodiments,the grinder 6610 is partly positioned outside of the inner tube 6606,for example to grind the content of the stomach. In some embodiments,the grinder part which extends into the stomach lumen is placed withinfilter 6608. Optionally, filter 6608 prevents direct contact of grinder6610 with the stomach inner wall. In some embodiments, the grinder 6610is a spiral shaft, optionally with sharp leading edges, for example toallow slicing of food within the inner tube.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the outer tube 6605 isconnected to an internal bolster 6607 placed within the stomach 6603 andto an external bolster 6612 placed outside of the body.

According to some exemplary embodiments, inner tube 6606 is connected toan external connector 6614. In some embodiments, the external connector6614 is configured to lock the inner tube 6606 within the outer tube6605. In some embodiments, the external connector 6614 comprises a motorconnector 6619. In some embodiments, the motor connector 6619 is coupledto the grinder 6610, for example to allow the rotation of the grinder6610. In some embodiments, a motor 6616, for example an electric motoris connected through a motor adaptor 6618 to the motor connector 6619.In some embodiments, upon activation motor 6616 rotates the grinder 6610optionally by rotating motor adaptor 6618 and/or motor connector 6619.In some embodiments, turning grinder 6610, for example by motor 6616moves food out from the stomach.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a draining tube 6620 isconnected to the inner tube, optionally through external connector 6614.In some embodiments, the stomach content is drained through the drainingtube 6620 into waste reservoir 6622. Optionally a pump 6624, for examplea peristaltic pump is connected to draining tube 6620. In someembodiments, the pump 6624 actively pumps the stomach content throughthe inner tube and the draining tube into waste reservoir 6622. In someembodiments, pump 6624 rotates grinder 6610.

According to some exemplary embodiments, flushing fluid 6628 is passedinto the inner tube 6606, for example when parts of the stomach contentare stuck within the inner tube. In some embodiments, the flushing fluid6628 is passed through flushing tube 6626. Alternatively, flushing fluidis passed through draining tube 6620. In some embodiments, flushingfluid 6628 comprises enzymes and/or digestive chemicals, for example toallow digestion of food within the stomach and/or within the inner tube.

According to some exemplary embodiments, flushing tube 6626 and/ordraining tube 6620 are connected to the inner tube 6606 through motorconnector 6619 which allows, for example co-centric connection betweenmotor connector 6619 and motor adaptor 6618. Alternatively, motoradaptor 6618 is connected to motor connector 6619 from an upper or alower side while flushing tube 6626 and/or draining tube 6620 areconnected directly to the center of tube 6606

According to some exemplary embodiments, grinder 6610 is placed withinan inner tube, for example inner tube 6314, 1714 or 1814. In someembodiments, the inner tube is placed within an outer tube, for exampleouter tube 1812. In some embodiments, the outer tube is connected to aninternal bolster of an ostomy device placed within the stomach, forexample inner bolster 1808 and to an external bolster, for exampleexternal bolster 3110, or 5100.

Exemplary Stomach Content Draining Device within the Body

Reference is now made to FIG. 66C depicting a stomach content drainingdevice within the body, according to some embodiments.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a draining device 6650 isinserted into the body wall 6604 into a stomach 6603. In someembodiments, the draining device 6650 comprises a tube 6652 with agrinder 6658 positioned within the tube. In some embodiments, a filter,for example basket 6654 is connected to the distal end of the tube 6652,and is positioned within the stomach 6603. In some embodiments, aninternal bolster 6656 is connected to tube 6652 at the distal end of thetube 6652 within stomach 6603. Additionally, an external bolster 6655 isconnected to tube 6652 at the proximal end outside of the body. In someembodiments, the internal bolster 6656 prevents pushing tube 6652outside of the body. In some embodiments, the external bolster 6655stabilizes the tube 6652 when the body moves and/or prevents theinternalization of tube 6652 through the abdominal opening.

According to some exemplary embodiments, tube 6652 is placed within anouter tube. In some embodiments, the internal bolster 6656 and/or theexternal bolster 6655 are connected to the outer tube.

Exemplary Inner Tube with a Grinder

Reference is now made to FIGS. 67A-67D, depicting an inner tube and agrinder of a stomach content draining device, according to someembodiments of the invention.

According to some exemplary embodiments, inner tube 6704 comprising adistal end 6716 configured to be placed within a stomach and a proximalend 6720, configured to be placed outside of the body. In someembodiments, a filter, for example elastic basket 6706 is connected tothe distal end 6716 of the inner tube 6704. In some embodiments, basket6706 is configured to be in a collapsed state, for example when basket6706 is moved through the outer tube into the stomach, and in a relaxedstate when basket 6706 is pushed out from the inner tube 6704. In someembodiments, the basket comprises voids or openings that allow thebasket, for example to collapse. Alternatively or additionally, thebasket is made from an elastic material or an elastomer.

According to some exemplary embodiments, basket 6706 comprises is madefrom wires placed in a distance from one another, or from a mesh ofwires. Optionally, the wires are elastic, for example to allow thecollapse of the basket 6706. In some embodiments, the maximal distancebetween two adjacent wires, for example wires 6707 and 6709 determinethe size of food particles that can enter into the inner tube 6704.Alternatively, the maximal size of the pores within the mesh of wiresdetermine the size of the food that can enter the inner tube.

According to some exemplary embodiments, an external bolster, forexample external bolster 6712 is connected to the proximal end 6720 ofthe inner tube 6704. Alternatively or additionally an inner tube cap6710 is connected to proximal end 6720 of the inner tube 6704.

General

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±20%

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, methodor structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, butonly if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materiallyalter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition,method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include pluralrefers unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, theterm “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality ofcompounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention maybe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well asindividual numerical values within that range. For example, descriptionof a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specificallydisclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numberswithin that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This appliesregardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween.

As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniquesand procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limitedto, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, orreadily developed from known manners, means, techniques and proceduresby practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological,biochemical and medical arts.

As used herein, the term “treating” includes abrogating, substantiallyinhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition,substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical symptoms of acondition or substantially preventing the appearance of clinical oraesthetical symptoms of a condition.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent thatsection headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarilylimiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this applicationis/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of measuring a depth from a base site toa location inside a living organism comprising: supplying an instrumenthaving a guide and a marker including graduations indicating a distancefrom said guide; inserting the marker into said organism in a vicinityof said location; positioning said guide at said base site; and readingon said marker a graduation nearest said location indicating saiddistance.